Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, often causing severe pain, bleeding, and other complications. In the U.S., it’s estimated that around two million people will experience a dental emergency each year.1 At Supreme Dentistry, we’re prepared to handle any dental emergency with our emergency dental services. Our team will evaluate your dental emergency and provide you with top-rated emergency services to reduce pain levels and swelling and prevent any abscesses or infections. Reach out to us today if you are experiencing a dental emergency.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that involves your teeth and gums that requires immediate dental care. It addresses severe dental pain, bleeding, and any risk of infection. It often demands immediate attention, and the longer you go without treating it, the more it can cause chronic pain and other life-threatening issues.
Some potential medical complications caused by dental emergencies include:
- Spreading of infection
- Sepsis
- Tooth loss
- Sinus involvement
- Damage to the surrounding bone and endocarditis
If you have an infection, it can cause:
- Cellulitis: A bacterial infection that spreads through the soft tissues
- Pericoronitis: Inflammation of the gum tissues around a partially erupted tooth
- Ludwig’s angina: A potentially fatal infection of the soft tissues in the mouth and neck
5 signs you need to see an emergency dentist
There are many signs that you’ll need to see an emergency dentist, which can happen at any time. If you experience a car accident, a tooth infection, or have knocked-out or missing teeth, you should find a dentist specializing in emergency dental care.
Here are five signs you need to see an emergency dentist:
1. Severe tooth pain
Many factors, including tooth decay, infections, or teeth and gum line injuries, cause tooth pain. Other causes of tooth pain include:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Broken or damaged fillings
- Sinus infections
- Earaches
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Neurological conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia or atypical odontalgia
If you experience persistent, throbbing, or sharp pain that is not helped by regular medication, it’s a clear sign of a dental emergency.
2. Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
Swelling in the gums, face, or jawline often points to a serious infection or abscess that needs immediate attention. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can cause inflammation and bleeding, and may cause the gums to recede from the teeth. A dental abscess is a collection of pus around the tooth and can lead to intense pain, swelling, and fever. If you experience any of these conditions, seek emergency dental care immediately.
3. Knocked-out teeth
Another sign of a dental emergency is knocked-out teeth from an accident or other traumatic incident. Knocked-out teeth should be dealt with immediately, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes of the accident.
4. Bleeding that won’t stop
If you are experiencing ongoing or excessive bleeding from the mouth, you should immediately seek emergency dental services. Common reasons that lead to excessive bleeding from the gums include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Gingivitis or periodontitis
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
Types of medication that can cause your gums to bleed include aspirin and NSAIDs, blood thinners, birth control pills, antihistamines, and inhaled corticosteroids.
5. Injury to the mouth or jaw
An injury to the mouth or jawbone can cause severe pain and requires immediate dental emergency services. These can include cuts, burns, or bruises to the soft tissue, jaw fractures in the upper and lower jaws, jaw dislocation, osteonecrosis, jaw tumors, and TMJ disorders.
Need emergency dental care? Call Supreme Dentistry today
When is it time to seek emergency dental care? Supreme Dentistry is here to help our fellow Texans facing urgent dental concerns. If you’re experiencing signs of a dental emergency, our team is ready to provide prompt and expert care.
We are a full-service dental office with family and emergency services that can handle any dental emergency. We have experience treating cracked or chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and broken crowns.
If your teeth or jaw are swollen or in severe pain, our emergency dental services are available to help. If you’re facing an emergency, please call 844.966.2333. For all other dental services, feel free to contact us through our online form or call us to schedule an appointment.
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