Signs That You Need to Visit an Emergency Dentist

Dental emergencies come in many different forms. Many people do not know if their dental emergency warrants an urgent trip to an emergency dentist. However, when left untreated, some dental emergencies can cause permanent tooth loss. Several dental emergencies require immediate medical attention to prevent future damage to your oral health. Contact Alexandria Old Town Dental as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms of a potential dental emergency.

Swollen cheeks with jaw pain

Many factors can contribute to swollen cheeks coupled with jaw pain, from a minor dental injury to an infection. Patients experiencing painful or long-lasting swelling should seek immediate dental treatment. Most of these swelling and jaw pain issues are tooth-related.

Tooth abscess

An abscessed or infected tooth is life-threatening, especially when left untreated. Common signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include the following:

• Extremely painful toothache
• Puffy, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Sensitive to touch or temperature
• White bump on the gums

Depending on the severity of the abscessed tooth, an emergency dentist may perform a root canal or a complete tooth extraction.

Pericoronitis

This dental condition results from the inflammation of the gums around the wisdom teeth. Some symptoms of pericoronitis include discharge coming from the gums. An emergency dentist can help minimize the swelling in the gums and around the patient's cheeks.

Jaw cyst

A jaw cyst is a sack-like pouch that fills with fluid, air, and other substances. They form in the jawbone or in the soft tissues in the mouth and face. While jaw cysts are rare, the risk of developing them increases with the following factors:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Poorly fitted dentures
• Lack of a nutritious diet
• Excessive tobacco and alcohol use

The emergency dentist will ask about the patient's medical history and thoroughly examine their mouth, jaws, and teeth. Sometimes, they may use an MRI, CT scan, or biopsy to make a conclusive diagnosis. They may also recommend a surgical procedure to remove the cyst.

Loose or knocked-out tooth

Accidents happen, and a loose or knocked-out tooth can be a scary situation. It is important to seek immediate dental care, as the chances of saving the tooth decrease rapidly after it dislodges. An emergency dentist can provide prompt care to stabilize the tooth or, if possible, reattach it.

Cracked or broken tooth

A cracked or broken tooth is not always a dental emergency. However, this depends on the location of the tooth and the severity of the breakage. These factors can influence the treatment method.

If an individual has a broken or chipped tooth, they should clean their mouth with warm water. Then, they can gently apply pressure to the affected tooth to stop bleeding. The patient can place a cold compress in the treatment area to prevent swelling. They should also wrap the piece of broken tooth in clean, wet gauze to take it to the dentist.