When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

There are times when you should seek immediate emergency dental care—but it can be hard to determine what is considered an emergency and what can wait for your next dentist visit. If you don’t seek immediate help, a seemingly small dental problem can turn into a big one. Here are some common ailments and dental issues that should be treated by a dental emergency service as soon as possible:

Broken or chipped tooth

Broken teeth are often the result of direct trauma—such as a hit to the face or a fall. However, broken teeth can also occur when biting down on something hard, like ice, or even from tooth decay. If you suddenly feel something hard and loose in your mouth, it could be a piece of tooth. If left for too long, a broken tooth can become infected and may have to be removed.

Fractured or cracked tooth

Teeth can develop fractures or cracks that can lead to serious dental problems, if left untreated. If a tooth hurts when you are eating or during a change in temperature, it may be fractured. Similar to broken teeth, fractured teeth can develop infections when not treated promptly.

Extreme tooth pain

Experiencing extreme or excessive tooth pain is a sign that you should be seeking emergency dental services. While minor pain may or may not be an emergency, extreme pain often indicates an infection that will continue to become worse if left untreated.

Knocked-out permanent tooth

If your entire tooth is knocked out, you should go to an emergency clinic as fast as possible. Knocked-out teeth can often be re-implanted—and there is a much higher rate of success if it is done within 30 minutes. If your tooth is knocked out, take your loose tooth to a dental clinic right away.

Displaced tooth

Similar to a knocked-out tooth, a tooth can become displaced and move from its intended position but still remain attached. Often you can feel that the position of your tooth has changed, and it may be accompanied by pain, bleeding and swelling. Prompt treatment will ensure that the displaced tooth can be realigned with ease.

Swelling or abscessed tooth

Facial swelling or a throbbing tooth are possible signs of an abscessed tooth; this is a serious bacterial infection that has spread to the root of your tooth. When treated promptly, abscessed teeth have a good prognosis, but when left untreated, the infection can spread to other teeth or parts of the jaw and neck, and can even cause death in serious instances. If you notice swelling, seek emergency dental care as quickly as possible.

Lacerations and bleeding

Cuts and bleeding can be serious problems when they happen anywhere, and that includes in your mouth. If bleeding persists for longer than 20 minutes, that is a sign that medical attention might be necessary. Infections are a possibility.

Jaw fracture

A broken or fractured jaw usually results from trauma, such as a hit or a fall. Along with pain, they are usually accompanied by swelling and the inability to open or use the jaw properly. Breathing problems can occur in severe cases, so prompt medical attention should be sought immediately.

Princeview Dental has been a fixture of the Kingsway area in Etobicoke for over 20 years, where we’ve provided dedicated family care in a professional, welcoming, and modern environment. For more information, please visit our website.