Quick Summary
Knowing which dental problems need urgent care, and which can wait for a regular appointment, matters. A severe toothache that will not go away may indicate an abscess and can cause facial swelling. Bleeding that will not come under control needs an emergency dentist. A fractured tooth risks infection, especially if the break goes deep into a permanent tooth. Complications after oral surgery also warrant immediate treatment.
As much as you hope it doesn’t happen, dental emergencies can sneak up on you. Some clinics offer emergency dental care to provide quick, effective, and safe treatment. It’s important to know what kinds of dental problems require urgent care, as opposed to those that can wait until you can get a regular appointment with your dentist. Here are some common types of emergencies that warrant immediate treatment.
Severe toothache
A painful toothache that won’t go away should not be ignored. These can occur suddenly, be confined to a single area, cause pain when eating, and also involve your gums. Symptoms like these may indicate an abscess, which can also lead to facial swelling. Sometimes your airway can even become blocked. A severe toothache requires immediate relief, and therefore is considered a dental emergency.
Excessive bleeding
If you have oral bleeding from something like losing a tooth and you can’t get it under control, you need to see an emergency dentist. Normally when a tooth falls out, the bleeding will stop after a few minutes. If the blood won’t clot for some reason, or if there was severe trauma, excessive bleeding can occur. A dentist can help stop the bleeding by applying pressure, using a hemostatic agent, or even using stitches.
Fractured teeth
Infection may occur when a tooth is fractured, especially if the break goes deep into a permanent tooth, so immediate care is necessary. An emergency dentist will apply dentine padding to the affected area, so that you can visit your own dentist the next day for further treatment.
Surgery complications
If you have had oral surgery and the pain is more severe or lingering than your dentist anticipated, you should seek treatment immediately to make sure complications like a dry socket or jaw fracture hasn’t occurred.
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Billerica dentists office.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a toothache an emergency?
A painful toothache that will not go away should not be ignored. These can occur suddenly, be confined to a single area, and cause pain when eating as well as involving your gums. Symptoms like these may indicate an abscess, which can also lead to facial swelling and can even block the airway.
What counts as excessive bleeding?
Normally when a tooth falls out, the bleeding will stop after a few minutes. If the blood will not clot, or if there was severe trauma, excessive bleeding can occur, and you need to see an emergency dentist. A dentist can stop the bleeding by applying pressure, using a hemostatic agent, or using stitches.
What should I do about a fractured tooth?
Seek immediate care. Infection may occur when a tooth is fractured, especially if the break goes deep into a permanent tooth. An emergency dentist will apply dentine padding to the affected area so you can visit your own dentist the next day for further treatment.
When should I worry after oral surgery?
If you have had oral surgery and the pain is more severe or more lingering than your dentist anticipated, seek treatment immediately, so complications such as a dry socket or a jaw fracture can be ruled out.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.