What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

If you have a toothache or notice a little blood when you brush your teeth, you already know you should come in to see your dentist. Is it an emergency? Knowing when you have a dental emergency is essential, especially when saving your teeth and ensuring dental health. So, let’s look at the most common dental emergencies and how to find Emergency Dentist in Philadelphia.

The Most Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Emergencies vary; however, dentists often see four common types of dental emergencies in the office. These include, 

• Knocked-out teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Dental abscess (infection)
• Severe tooth pain, incredibly responsive to hot or cold

These are the most common types of emergencies we see because these are the ones that have the most acute symptoms. You’re probably not going to shake your head at a knocked-out or chipped tooth and move on with your day. Dental abscesses are extremely painful, often to the point of distraction or even tears. Severe tooth pain, especially in response to temperature, can affect your eating ability. 

These emergencies are necessary to address immediately. An abscess can lead to further infection, and you can save a knocked-out tooth if you address it in time. They are emergencies because of the impact or the way they can disrupt your life and health. However, they’re not the only oral health emergencies. 

Other Signs of a Dental Emergency

Unfortunately, many people ignore dental emergencies they should address right away. Sometimes this is due to time constraints as the person weighs work and family responsibilities with something that “might go away” or they might be able to “deal with at home.” Often, it’s due to misunderstanding what symptoms can mean.

Some symptoms patients sometimes overlook or try to deal with on their include,

• Frequent bleeding from the tooth or gum (if bleeding does not stop, seek help immediately)
• Unusual tissue growth around the gums or mouth
• Wires or brackets from braces that cause pain to the gum or cheek
• Infrequent but repeating tooth pain
• Unusual swelling in the gum (with or without pain)
• Loose teeth

Some symptoms, such as bleeding and repeated pain, may be early signs of a developing abscess or infection. Others can indicate other conditions that your dentist should look at as soon as possible. Loose teeth are regular in small children who are developing permanent teeth. However, once your permanent teeth are in place, loose teeth are a sign of severe problems with your dental health. 

Dealing with dental brackets or wires that poke or scratch your cheek or gum may seem annoying. Besides, isn’t that what the wax is for? Your braces shouldn’t cause consistent pain or injury. Yes, your cheek or lips can become sensitive from repeatedly rubbing over brackets, which is different from a frame or wire slipping and becoming misplaced. 

Now that you understand these additional symptoms, you’ll be ready to address them and contact your dentist immediately if you see them in your mouth or if your family members notice something up with their teeth and gums. 

Are You Looking for an Emergency Dentist in Philadelphia?

If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Philadelphia, contact us today to make an appointment. Please take advantage of our free new patient consultation to meet our staff and choose your new family dentist.