Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and they often take people by surprise. They can range from a sudden severe toothache to an injury that damages the teeth or gums. In some cases, if the patient doesn’t get immediate treatment, the problem can worsen, and it may even cause permanent damage to the affected teeth or other related tissues. This is why it’s important to know how to identify a dental emergency and how to contact an emergency dentist.

The most common dental emergencies are a severe toothache, cracked or broken teeth, a knocked-out tooth, gum bleeding, and dental abscess. A dental abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms either at the base of a tooth or in the gum tissue due to advanced tooth decay, failed root canal treatment, and more.

Emergency Dentist: What to Do When You Need Immediate Dental Care

Other conditions that may be considered a dental emergency include a dislocated jaw, a serious head or neck injury, or a severe mouth infection. Patients are encouraged to practice preventative dentistry by visiting the dentist for regular cleanings and exams to reduce the risk of dental injuries.

While ER doctors are skilled in managing oral injuries, they don’t usually deal with the specifics of these types of issues. Emergency dentists can better diagnose the source of pain and symptoms and offer more effective treatments. In addition, they can provide immediate pain relief and fix the issue to prevent more problems down the line. The most critical factor in a dental emergency is timing. The sooner patients seek treatment, the more likely they are to save their priceless smiles.