Knowing when it’s time to contact an emergency dentist is largely based on your pain tolerance. Some dental problems are easier to diagnose than others—especially when they’re visible, like a chipped or cracked tooth. Other times, you’ll simply deal with different levels of pain and need to identify whether or not a trip to an emergency dentist is warranted. If you’re in doubt, use the following to guide to simplify your decision.

3 Instances Where You Need to See an Emergency Dentist

Toothaches

Identifying a toothache is easy—you’ll feel it. The level of pain will vary depending on what’s wrong, and there are some quick at-home actions you can take to determine the severity. First, wash your mouth out with water and floss your teeth, paying special attention to the problem area. If nothing is stuck between your teeth, and there’s no swelling of the gums, call the dentist. 

Broken Tooth

Anytime a tooth becomes loose, cracks, or breaks completely, you need to schedule a visit with your emergency dentist. Leaving these problems alone can lead to infection as well as increasing pain levels. While it’s easy to identify a broken or cracked tooth, the key is to visit your dentist immediately.

Lost Filling or Crown

If you notice a filling or crown has fallen out, visit your emergency dentist as soon as possible. The primary cause for a lost filling is decay, which means it will be painful to eat and drink if you don’t fix the problem. If you were able to save your crown, bring it with you to the dentist, otherwise, find an emergency dentist who can provide same-day crowns.

Whether you need emergency service or just a routine teeth cleaning, contact the professionals who care at Family First Dentistry of Anchorage, AK. You can schedule an appointment on their website or by calling (907) 562-2820.