5 Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care: When to Call Your Dentist

It's easy to ignore minor aches and pains, but when it comes to your oral health, certain symptoms should never be overlooked. Recognizing the signs of a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth. In this blog, we'll discuss five signs that indicate you need to call your dentist immediately.

1. Severe Toothache

A toothache can range from mild discomfort to unbearable pain. If you're experiencing severe pain that's persistent and doesn't go away with over-the-counter pain relievers, it's a sign you need immediate dental attention. Severe toothache could indicate a number of issues, including an abscess, a cracked tooth, or a severe cavity.

Ignoring a severe toothache can lead to more serious complications, including the spread of infection to other parts of your body. It's crucial to seek emergency dental care to prevent further damage and alleviate the pain.

2. Loose or Knocked-Out Tooth

Adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime. If you notice a loose tooth or if one of your teeth gets knocked out, it's a dental emergency. Accidents, sports injuries, or a blow to the face can cause a tooth to become loose or fall out.

It's essential to get to your dentist as soon as possible. If treated promptly, there's a chance the tooth can be saved. Remember to handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, and try to keep it moist in milk until you reach the dentist's office.

3. Swollen Jaw

Swelling in the jaw can be a sign of a severe infection, such as an abscess, which is a pus-filled pocket that occurs around the root of the tooth. Symptoms can include fever, swollen neck glands, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and a bad taste in your mouth.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek emergency dental care immediately. An abscess can lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly.

4. Bleeding and Aching Gums

While a small amount of bleeding when brushing or flossing is normal, excessive, continuous bleeding and aching gums are signs of gum disease or infection. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.

Don't ignore these symptoms. If you're experiencing persistent bleeding and pain in your gums, it's time to see your dentist.

6. Constant Headaches

Believe it or not, constant headaches can be a sign of dental issues. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, often happens during sleep and can lead to headaches, as well as damaged teeth. If you're waking up with constant headaches, it's worth discussing with your dentist.

Teeth grinding can be treated with a custom mouthguard or by addressing the cause of the stress that's leading to the grinding.

Indigo Dental: Your Emergency Dentist in Greenville, SC

At Indigo Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time. That's why Dr. Meagan Crosland and Dr. Michael Crosland are committed to providing prompt, compassionate care when you need it most. If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, don't wait. Call us today at (864) 565-8684 to schedule an emergency appointment. Your oral health is our priority.