In a perfect world, you’d only have to visit the dentist when you’re due for oral exams and routine teeth cleanings. Our smiles aren’t invincible, however, and there may be times when you need to visit a dental care provider for emergency care. To help you protect your teeth and gums, here are some situations when you’d need to visit an emergency dentist to prevent dental complications.

5 Dental Emergencies That Require Prompt Professional Care

1. Severe Pain

Any type of toothache should be reviewed by an emergency dentist since it could point to a condition that needs immediate care. If the pain is mild, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to ease your symptoms until you can make it to the dental office. However, if the pain is unbearable or doesn’t fade with painkillers, you may have an impacted tooth or infection that requires an emergency root canal.

2. Abscesses

Oral bacteria can often lead to infections that aren’t only painful but also put the health of your teeth and gums at risk. Apart from discomfort, abscesses, or pimple-like bumps in the mouth caused by bacteria buildup, are common signs of infection. To prevent it from spreading and causing further complications, these growths should be checked out by an emergency dentist.  

3. Persistent Bleeding

Sometimes, you might notice minor bleeding when you floss or accidentally bite your cheek, but if your mouth is bleeding continuously, you may have an injury or infection. Dentists can pinpoint the source of these problems and provide swift treatment or stitches to stop the bleeding and help you find relief.

4. Chipped or Cracked Tooth

A chipped or cracked tooth may not hurt, but requires prompt care since it could expose the sensitive nerves on the inside of your tooth. If a large portion of your tooth broke off, try placing it in some milk and bringing it to your emergency dentist, who could be able to reattach the piece. As well as restoring the look of your smile, this will prevent tooth sensitivity and infection.

5. Lost or Knocked Out Tooth

The only time a missing tooth isn’t an emergency is when a child’s baby tooth falls out. If you have an adult tooth that’s coming loose, seek emergency dental care to identify the cause of the detachment and help put it back in place. If the tooth was knocked out due to an injury, preserve it in milk and seek emergency restoration from a dentist.

If you have one of these symptoms or another dental emergency, turn to Rydell Family Dental in Hayward, WI. Serving Sawyer County for over 24 years, this family dentist is recognized for promptly diagnosing oral health issues and delivering personalized treatment for the whole family. Visit them online to learn more about the restorative and cosmetic services that this emergency dentist offers, or call (715) 634-4864 to book an appointment.