How to Know if You are Having a Dental Emergency or Not

What is a dental emergency?

Any problem with your teeth, mouth or gums that requires urgent dental treatment is a dental emergency. Specifically, this can include:

Broken, Chipped, or Knocked Out Tooth

Usually, a broken or chipped tooth can be fixed, but you'll need to see the dentist right away. While less severe fractures might only require a filling from the dentist, more severe ones might necessitate a crown or root canal.

A dentist may be able to replace a knocked-out tooth within an hour of the incident if the tooth can be saved. Within this time frame, the tooth has a better chance of regaining its root. The likelihood dramatically decreases after two hours, necessitating the consideration of alternate measures.

Severe Toothache

Apply ice to the area first if you have a toothache that won't go away with over-the-counter pain relievers, and then call your dentist right away because this is a dental emergency.

Take toothaches seriously because they may be a sign of more serious dental problems.

Lost Filling

A lost filling is also serious as it exposes the interior of your tooth, weakening its structure. It’s important to see a dentist to have the filling replaced as soon as possible. You can protect the area until you get to the dentist by replacing the filling temporarily with a softened piece of sugarless gum.

Object Lodged Between Teeth

Objects getting lodged between the teeth can present a hazard and warrant urgent attention from your dentist. If you cannot dislodge the object with floss, do not use a sharp object to attempt to remove it yourself as this could push it further between your teeth - or injure your gums.

Bitten Tongue or Lip

If you are experiencing bleeding that can’t be quelled after biting your tongue or lip, you need to visit an emergency dental clinic. In the meantime, apply a clean cloth to the part of the mouth that’s bleeding and press down. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling, and look for urgent dental care.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a buildup of pus which forms inside the teeth or gums. This very painful condition usually develops from a bacterial infection, often within the soft pulp of the tooth or the root of the tooth. They can be caused by a cavity that’s been left untreated, severe gum disease or perhaps a chipped tooth.

Any number of symptoms, such as a bad taste in your mouth, swollen glands, pain, pus, or fever, may be present. Surgery is typically required to remove the infection and properly treat an abscessed tooth. Root canal surgery is a possible course of treatment for dental abscesses.

Are you experiencing a dental emergency? Our Edmonton dentists will make every effort to see you as soon as possible and can often offer same-day appointments.