When dental concerns pop up, it’s common for patients to put off treatment. But while some oral health issues may not require immediate care, there are some issues that demand emergency dentistry services. To help you determine what type of care you need, here are five problems that should be looked at by a dentist right away and why.

5 Reasons for Emergency Dentistry Care

1. Chipped or Cracked Tooth

At first, chipped and cracked teeth may cause nothing more than cosmetic damage. But without prompt attention, this damage can lead to more extensive problems—such as leaving the sensitive portions of the tooth exposed to infection risks. Rather than facing the possibility of severe dental pain, it’s best to visit a dentist as soon as possible for examination and restoration.

2. Severe Tooth Pain

Severe tooth pain is a sign that sensitive nerves have been injured or infected. If caught early enough, the natural tooth can be saved through a root canal procedure. However, if you ignore the problem, the pain will only grow worse. If the symptoms are due to an infection, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream and contribute to problems elsewhere in the body—including heart disease.

3. Gum-Related Pain

Bleeding, tender, red, or swelling gums are usually an indication of gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease—an infection of the gum tissue. In more severe cases, you might notice an abscess—or a cyst-like growth on the gums that results from excessive bacterial growth. To prevent the problem from spreading or causing permanent tooth loss, visit a dentist as soon as possible to treat the underlying infection.

4. Loose Tooth

When a permanent adult tooth is loose, it means that the roots have been compromised by injury or infection—and that the entire tooth can fall out. Without immediate attention from an emergency dentist, you may lose the tooth forever and require a dental implant.

5. Damaged Dental Work

Dental prosthetics—such as crowns and veneers—are designed to protect vulnerable areas of the tooth. But these materials may still crack or fall off, especially if you’ve experienced a traumatic oral injury or have bitten down on something considerably hard. With prompt attention, dentists can secure prosthetics back in place. But if you wait too long, the exposed portions of your teeth may be subjected to further damage, decay, pain, or infection.

When accidents happen, BridgeView Dental Group offers comprehensive emergency dentistry services in Kodiak, AK. Whether you require a root canal procedure or need to repair a chipped tooth, this team will work quickly and thoroughly to provide relief and protect your smile with confidence. They even offer sedation dentistry resources to reduce discomfort and help you feel at ease throughout treatment. To learn more about their capabilities, visit this family dental clinic online. If you need same-day care, call (907) 486-3257 for emergency support.