It can be hard to know when to see an emergency dentist versus when to see a general dentist for a time-sensitive but not emergent issue. Emergency dentists have a very specific role when it comes to treating one's oral cavity. There are only certain times when utilizing their expertise is absolutely necessary. Thankfully, in this article, we provide an overview of when those times are. Keep reading to find out more!
The following situations qualify as a valid reason to see an emergency dentist. Reviewing these can be helpful, especially for individuals who are at high risk of a dental emergency occurring.
When a tooth becomes broken, it is often due to an injury that involves the mouth. Those who participate in sports or who are physically active are at a higher risk of experiencing a broken tooth. In some cases, a broken tooth might not require emergency attention. However, for the most part, it is necessary to see a dentist who specializes in urgent care. If the broken tooth is shattered, cracked, or chipped, it is ideal to go to an emergency dentist right away so that the tooth can try to be salvaged.
When the teeth or gums experience pain that is unbearable, it is necessary to see an emergency dentist. Any type of pain in the oral cavity typically indicates a serious problem, such as infection or the need for dental attention.
The emergency dentist can identify the problem at hand and relieve the pain via a procedure or pain medication. If the problem requires more serious attention, the emergency dentist may remedy it for the time being until the patient can visit a primary care dentist who can perform the necessary work.
Blood or pus is never a good sign, especially if it is random. While it is common for the gums to sometimes bleed when brushing or flossing, it is never a good sign if they randomly do it. If any blood or pus is noticed in the oral cavity, it is best to visit an emergency dentist to have the problem diagnosed.
A dislodged tooth is one of the most common reasons to visit an emergency dentist, and it is actually more common than most people think. Similar to breaking a tooth, when one comes dislodged, it is crucial to quickly get to the emergency dentist so that they can try to salvage it.
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If you are experiencing any of the situations that are listed above, it is absolutely necessary to visit the emergency dentist right away. The dentist can diagnose the problem and take the necessary action to resolve it. If you have questions about what is considered an emergency, feel free to reach out to us today. We are here to help!
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
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