What Is a Dental Emergency?

When you think about emergency health situations, you're probably picturing life-threatening conditions. So for many people, the term “dental emergency” might seem a bit strange at first.

However, you should know there are many cases where you might need immediate dental care to help restore your oral health and protect your teeth.

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies, and why you should always see a McFarland emergency dentist right away to get them addressed:

High Levels of Pain

If you are dealing with throbbing and near-constant tooth pain, that’s a clear sign you need to see a dentist right away. Tooth pain is not normal, and it rarely goes away on its own. The best way to remove your discomfort is to book an emergency appointment and see what’s causing the pain.

A toothache can be a sign of a large cavity or even an infection. These are both serious conditions that can even lead to permanent tooth loss if ignored.

Tooth infections, in particular, are bad news for your oral health since they can easily spread to your surrounding teeth and gums. So if you’re dealing with high levels of pain, book an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Knocked Out Teeth

Did you know that a knocked-out tooth can be reimplanted? There is a very high chance to save the tooth if you can see a dentist right after the event takes place.

To increase your chances, you should keep the tooth in an airtight container filled with milk. This will help preserve the tooth and keep it in prime condition until the dentist can insert it back into its socket.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious infection that attacks the gums, causing them to pull back and expose more and more of the tooth’s root.

Over time, gum disease can lead to permanent tooth loss, so it’s very important to seek treatment as soon as you notice the signs:

• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Teeth that look longer
• Tender and red gums
• Loose teeth, etc.

Tooth Chips or Cracks

If you chip or crack a tooth, you don’t always need emergency dental services. However, if the damage to the tooth also causes:

• Profuse bleeding
• High levels of pain
• Sensitivity to hot and cold

Then you may want to see the dentist sooner rather than later.

How Lakeview Modern Dentistry Can Help You

If you are dealing with a dental emergency, Dr. Kevin DeGroot is here to help you access swift care that can restore your oral health and protect your smile.

Even if you’re not sure you’re dealing with an emergency situation, it doesn’t hurt to call us at (608) 716-8622 right away to get more personalized advice to handle your situation.

For a regular appointment, you can book your visit to Lakeview Modern Dentistry online.