Are you experiencing abnormal dental discomfort? At times, it can be difficult to assess which issues require urgent care and which ones can wait. In severe cases, delaying a visit to the dentist can worsen the situation and potentially lead to infection or loss of tooth, so timely treatment can be key! Here are some signs to help you determine when you should call an emergency dentist.
Broken Tooth
A broken or knocked-out tooth will typically cause excruciating pain, and seeing your dentist right away may make the difference in whether or not you can save your tooth. If your tooth has fallen out, place the tooth in a cup of milk until you can see your dentist. This increases the chance of preserving and restoring the tooth. In cases of a chipped tooth, it’s not necessary to seek urgent attention, though if you feel extreme pain you should reach out to your dentist quickly.
Dental Abscess
An abscessed tooth is when a bacterial infection creates pus in parts of a tooth. This causes moderate to severe toothache and pain that can expand to your ear, jaw, and neck. If left untreated, an infection can spread to other parts of your body, including your brain, and in extreme cases, lead to sepsis. Getting it treated quickly could potentially save a tooth and prevent a life-threatening situation.
Extreme Bleeding
It’s not uncommon for a little bleeding to occur in your gums after flossing or if you have gingivitis. However, if there is inflammation and excess bleeding, it’s critical to seek emergency care. This type of bleeding could be a symptom of periodontal disease.
Swollen Mouth or Jaw
A swollen mouth or jaw can mean many things. It can be a sign of infection, swollen lymph nodes, and in rare cases, cancer. Swelling can also be associated with gum disease. It would take a professional assessment to determine the cause. This is another situation where it’s important to seek immediate treatment.
Urgent Care in Coeur d’Alene & Post Falls
If you are experiencing any of these signs, we urge you to contact our team at Riverstone Dental Care. We are devoted to quality patient care and we’re available to treat dental emergencies. For urgent care, call our office instead of using the contact link. We can be reached at 208-449-1594.
