Brushing and flossing twice daily and scheduling routine checkups with your dentist every six months are simple but effective ways to avoid potential dental emergencies. This is because it keeps your mouth clear of plaque and bacteria, which contribute to common problems, like cavities, gum disease, or injuries.
However, there’s no guarantee that you won’t have a dental emergency at some point in time, despite practicing proper preventive care. If you’re unsure whether your situation is urgent, continue reading to learn about 3 concerns that likely require immediate attention!
Issue #1: Chipped or Broken Tooth
Many patients who notice chipped or cracked enamel mistakenly believe that the damage will heal over time. Unfortunately, most oral issues don’t resolve themselves and only get worse until they’re treated by your dentist.
You might think your damaged enamel is no big deal, but the truth is that you can’t know the extent of the harm done without a professional examination and imaging. Even seemingly minor surface issues can run deeper than you can see with the naked eye. The longer you wait to be seen, the more likely you are to develop an infection or sustain additional injuries in the meantime.
Issue #2: Tooth Abscess
If you have a sharp or severe toothache and noticed a small lump on your gums, you may have a dental abscess. Germs in your mouth can erode your enamel to penetrate the soft pulp inside, where they can thrive and cause a painful infection in the tender nerves located there. Once they enter your tooth, they can work their way to the roots and gums, where they can form a painful pocket of pus.
This can also present with additional symptoms like tender lymph nodes in the neck, fever, sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, or a stiff or throbbing jaw. Schedule a same-day appointment with your dentist so they can provide an emergency root canal or other appropriate procedure to address the infection and alleviate the ache.
Issue #3: Knocked-Out Tooth
Although athletes and others who participate in close-contact sports and activities may be more likely to experience a dislodged adult tooth, it can potentially happen to anyone. Whether you bit into something too hard and it was pushed or yanked out of the socket or took a blow to the face that knocked it out in one fell swoop, you’re likely scared and hurting.
Call your dentist to be seen immediately if possible. If the tooth is still in good condition, there’s a chance they may be able to reintegrate it, but you’ll have to act quickly. The cells on the roots are only viable for about 30 to 60 minutes outside of your mouth.
Even if you’re unsure whether your dental issue requires immediate attention, it’s best to contact your provider to let them know what’s happened so they can schedule an appropriate time to see you.
Meet the Author
Dr. Tariq Shiyab has 20+ years of experience helping patients build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He initially studied at the Jordan University of Science and Technology, where he obtained a Bachelor of Dentistry degree. Then, he joined the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program at the Dade County Dental Research Clinic in Miami before moving to Washington state and completing a second Advanced Dentistry program. Today, he offers a wide range of services to meet all your needs, including same-day emergency appointments. You can request an appointment on the website or call (904) 287-0033.