Common Reasons to Visit an Emergency Dentist

An emergency dentist is a particular type of dental professional who undergoes additional education and training to learn how to deal with urgent and emergency situations. While emergency dentists do learn how to provide general dentistry care, they also learn how to think and act on the spot when an emergency happens. In most cases, emergency dentists have their own separate practices that only offer this type of care. Additionally, they may have different hours so they can be available for last-minute situations. 

Another thing to know about emergency dentists is that they do not typically perform long-term care. Instead, they treat the issue at hand immediately and then either provide references to other dental specialists if further treatment is necessary, or in some cases, they can treat the entire problem then and there, which does not require additional action. Continue reading to find out the most common reasons to visit an emergency dentist. 

When to visit an emergency dentist

Here are a few of the most common reasons to visit an emergency dentist. Reviewing this information can be helpful to anyone, but especially those who are often in situations that might put them at a higher risk of injury.

Broken tooth

People break their teeth all the time due to injuries from sports, physical activity, and simple accidents, such as falling. Sometimes, when a tooth breaks, it just cracks, which is not necessarily an emergency. However, if a tooth cracks in half, shatters, or results in sharp edges, it is necessary to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

It is advised to keep any fragments or pieces of the broken tooth that have fallen out in the event that the emergency dentist can repair it. Small breaks might be salvageable, whereas big breaks or cracks might require tooth replacement. Either way, the dentist can diagnose the type of break and provide immediate treatment. 

Extreme toothache

Another reason to visit an emergency dentist is if the patient is experiencing extreme toothache or pain. While small amounts of dull or sharp pain in the teeth might not require emergency treatment, severe aching or pain should not be neglected for long.

Aches and pains in the teeth that are dull or sharp can indicate a severe infection, which will only worsen if treatment is not provided. Toothaches often go ignored, which can lead to the need for further treatment. An emergency dentist can diagnose the issue and then provide the necessary treatment for it. 

Abscess

A dental abscess is one of the most serious problems that an emergency dentist deals with and treats. When an abscess forms, it is usually a pocket of infected pus in the tooth, on the gums, or in the actual bone. Wherever the abscess is located will determine the type of treatment that is required. Regardless, it is a good idea to get to an emergency dentist quickly. If an abscess goes without treatment for too long, it can burst, which can be painful and cause the infection to spread, ultimately leading to further complications that will be expensive and painful. 

Tooth loss

Another reason to visit an emergency dentist is if a tooth completely comes out of the oral cavity. This might be due to an injury to the face or because a tooth is in such bad health that it ultimately falls out. Tooth loss can result in severe problems, such as gum infection, root infection, and the need to undergo serious treatment, such as replacement.

If and when a tooth falls out, it is necessary to get to an emergency dentist immediately so action can be taken to repair or replace it. Putting the dislodged tooth in milk or back into the socket is advised until the emergency dentist can begin treatment. 

Find out more from an emergency dentist

If you feel that you are suffering from a dental emergency but are not 100% sure, it is highly recommended to consult with an emergency dentist or at least contact the office. Calling can be helpful because this way, we can help determine whether a visit to the emergency dentist is warranted. Additionally, we can help provide more resources on ways to prevent a dental emergency from occurring, answer any of your questions, and/or address any of your concerns.

To find out more or schedule an appointment, contact us today. We would be happy to help! 

Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.

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