Top Signs That You Need Emergency Dentistry

Trying to ignore tooth pain or gum discomfort is never a good idea. When these aches or pains strike, it's usually a sign you need dental care as soon as possible.  You may wonder if your condition is serious enough for a trip to the dentist. If left untreated, the problem could quickly become a more serious matter.  If you're wondering whether you need to see an emergency dentist, we can help!

Here are the top signs you need emergency dentistry.

A Severe Toothache

If you're experiencing extreme tooth pain or notice swelling in your mouth, you should see a dentist right away. It could be an infection that needs treatment right away.

A persistent toothache that goes on for more than a day or two and is accompanied by pain and discomfort, trouble breathing or swallowing, and/or a fever is definitely cause for concern.

Seek emergency dental care if you have a toothache or swelling that spreads to your jaw, eye, or other parts of the face. 

A Loose Tooth

An adult who practices good oral health care shouldn't have loose teeth. Healthy adult teeth are structurally sound and allow you to speak and eat normally.

If your tooth starts to feel loose in the socket, there could be a problem. This can happen if you experience a car accident, sports injury, or some form of trauma to the mouth area. 

Anything that hits the mouth or jaw can loosen the tooth in its socket. A localized infection, gum disease, and untreated cavities can lead to loose teeth. 

Whatever the cause, a loose tooth won't resolve on its own. Seek dental services as soon as possible.

The dentist can perform a dental exam and x-rays to determine the cause and deliver the proper treatment. If you ignore the problem, it could result in infection, tooth loss, or extraction.

Bleeding or Painful Gums

If your gums appear swollen or bleed when you brush your teeth, it could be the early signs of gingivitis or gum disease. Although this isn't an emergency, you want to address the condition as soon as possible.

If your bleeding is due to lacerations or oral trauma, you need emergency dental care. See a dentist right away if you notice gum bleeding that is getting worse or more frequent.

If you're experiencing gum pain that doesn't ease with over-the-counter pain medication and is accompanied by fever, chills, swelling, or vomiting, seek emergency dental services.

Dental Abscess 

A dental abscess or abscessed tooth is an infection that forms along the root of the tooth. This may be the result of an untreated cavity or severe gum disease. 

Trauma or tooth damage, such as a break or chip, can also cause an abscess. An abscessed tooth won't heal on its own.

This condition requires professional dental treatment right away. It may require a root canal.

Without treatment, the infection can spread to the gums and jaw. A decayed tooth will continue to worsen and may lead to the tooth falling out or needing extraction.

Abscess symptoms include:

• Fever
• Swelling
• A foul taste
• Puss
• Swollen glands

Take the symptoms of a tooth abscess seriously and seek the care of an emergency dentist right away.

A Swollen Jaw

Swelling in your jaw area can be a sign of a serious infection. If you have a swollen jaw along with fever, a bad taste in your mouth, or trouble breathing or swallowing, see a dentist as soon as possible.

A salivary gland infection causes swelling of the jaw. It's a bacterial infection that can lead to a blockage of the salivary glands.

This can prevent your saliva from breaking down food in the mouth and washing out bacteria. Although this condition is uncommon, it's serious and needs treatment right away.

A Canker Sore That Doesn't Heal

A canker sore is a small mouth ulcer. It develops on the soft tissue of the mouth, including the cheeks, tongue, and gums. 

Canker sores can be painful, but typically go away in a week or two. A canker sore that doesn't go away may be a more serious issue.



Some concerning signs include:

• A sore that won't heal or go away
• A canker sore that is getting bigger
• A canker sore accompanied by swelling and fever
• A canker sore that makes it hard to eat or drink

These signs can indicate a bigger problem, such as an infection, immune issue, or other health issues.

Constant Headaches

Chronic headaches along with sore jaw muscles, eye pain, or a clicking jaw may be due to dental health issues. Dental problems such as an infection, grinding teeth, damaged teeth, or a misaligned bite can lead to muscle and nerve issues.

These problems can cause severe or chronic headaches. If you have headaches with little to no relief from over-the-counter pain relievers, getting the proper dental care may be the answer.

Seek emergency dental services to address the problem.

Get Expert Emergency Dentistry

No one expects a dental emergency, but they happen anyway. If you're experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or painful or bleeding gums, don't take any chances.

Don't wait if you need emergency dentistry services. Get the dental care you need to keep your mouth healthy.

At Dental Arts Services of Cape Cod, we offer a wide range of dental services, including general dentistry, emergency care, gum disease treatment, and more. We're committed to providing our patients with the best possible dental care. We'd love to help you with your dental needs. Contact Dental Arts Services of Cape Cod today to schedule an appointment.