What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

dental emergency

Did you know that once every 15 seconds, someone in America visits the emergency room for a dental condition?

But sometimes, it’s hard to know if your dental problem can wait or if you need to see a dentist right away.

Are you wondering if your dental issue is considered a dental emergency? In this guide, we’ll solve the mystery behind dental emergencies. Keep reading to learn the signs that your dental pain is indeed a dental emergency.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

The fact is most dental issues can often feel like an emergency. How could it not? It affects all areas of your life, causing headaches, sleepless nights, and missing out on your favorite food. 

But not all dental symptoms require an emergency visit, and it’s essential to know the difference. An excellent place to start is to assess the current symptoms you’re experiencing. Emergency dental symptoms include:

  • Severe tooth pain
  • Bleeding from your tooth
  • You lost a tooth or had it knocked out
  • You have an infection or a swollen jaw

Persistent bleeding after a tooth extraction is also an emergency. Some bleeding is normal, but if the bleeding hasn’t stopped after an hour, it’s time to call your dentist.

Other symptoms like broken crowns, missing fillings, or a tooth abscess must be seen as soon as possible.

Often broken crowns and fillings can expose nerves which can lead to severe pain and infection. Issues like chipped or cracked teeth can usually wait as long as you don’t have severe pain or bleeding. 

Preventing Dental Emergencies

You may not be able to prevent all dental emergencies, but you can dramatically increase your chances by being proactive with your dental health. 

Simply having an excellent dental hygiene routine at home can keep most emergency dental situations at bay. Make sure to establish a daily practice of flossing, brushing, and limiting your sugar intake.

Your next step is to find a dentist that you’re comfortable with. Regular dental checkups are vital in preventing those emergencies from creeping up.

Finding a Dentist

When you search Google to find a dentist near me, so many results pop up. So, how do you know who the best dentist is?

When you’re looking for a new dentist, check what services they offer. You want a dentist that offers emergency dental services and a way to get in touch should the unexpected happen. General dentistry, crowns, veneers, implants, and tooth whitening are all services to look for. 

Check out the latest reviews on Google, and see what their current patients are saying. You can also usually find customer testimonials on most dental clinic websites that give you a good idea of what the practice is all about.

It’s Time to Start Smiling

Don’t let a dental emergency get you down. The professionals at Plage Dentistry will make you feel right at home as soon as you walk through the doors.

Whether you’re visiting Plage Dentistry for a dental emergency or for your regular checkup, our comfortable and stress-free environment is sure to relax you as you walk through the door.

So contact us today and have a healthier smile tomorrow!