Tooth Tips | Dental Emergency Signs

It’s sometimes difficult to determine whether a dental issue requires emergency services. Recognizing the signs of a dental emergency is vital in mitigating your risk of severe complications, so here are three of the most common ones to look out for:

Severe / Constant Toothache

A severe toothache that lasts for more than three days can be a symptom of a serious dental problem, particularly when the pain is accompanied by loose teeth, a fever, or swelling. A toothache may be a sign of severe tooth decay, a dental cavity, or an infection.

If your dentist catches the issue early enough, root canal therapy may be performed to reduce your risk of tooth loss.

Broken / Missing Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth that is left untreated can lead to other dental issues. Chipped teeth aren’t simply an aesthetic issue, and it’s important to visit your dentist swiftly after the damage occurs. As for a knocked out tooth (e.g. due to a sports accident), your tooth can actually be saved if you visit an emergency dentist within approximately an hour (preferably within the first 30 minutes).

Try to place the tooth back in your socket on your way to the clinic. If you can’t, keep the tooth moist (in your mouth next to your cheek, in milk, or in an emergency tooth preservation kit).

If your dentist is unable to save the tooth, it should be replaced as soon as possible, as having a missing tooth can cause a series of complications that include shifting teeth, gum recession, and bone loss.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a severe infection affecting either the root of your tooth or the space between the teeth and gums. If left untreated, the infection can damage the surrounding teeth and gum tissue and even spread throughout the body. Emergency treatment can help prevent this kind of spread.