If someone is in severe pain or experiencing serious dental problems, they may need emergency dental care. While many oral issues can be addressed during a regular dental appointment, certain situations require immediate treatment. Emergency dental care is crucial in acute cases as it can relieve severe pain, prevent chronic problems, and even save lives.
At Oceanside Family Dental, we are available for emergency dental care. It can be difficult to determine what qualifies as a dental emergency, but there are specific signs that indicate the need for more immediate attention.
Neglecting a dental problem can have long-term consequences and affect other teeth, gums, or the underlying jawbone. Knowing when to schedule a regular or emergency visit can help manage the issue more effectively. If you have dental concerns and are unsure if you need emergency treatment, please contact us at (516) 766-0732.
Signs indicating the need for emergency dental care
The American Dental Association emphasizes that dental emergencies can pose a risk to life, similar to other health conditions. Urgent treatment is crucial for severe problems like infection and continuous bleeding. Traumas affecting facial bones can also be critical as they may block the airway and impede breathing. Seeking immediate dental care for these concerns can prevent visits to the hospital emergency room.
Nevertheless, uncontrolled bleeding and difficulty breathing are not the only factors that warrant emergency care. There are various other urgent dental conditions that demand immediate attention. Some of these issues and their symptoms include:
- Infection: Infections can be caused by various factors and can either be localized or affect the entire body. Common indicators include swollen and red gums, painful sensations, and the presence of pus pockets. Additionally, fever may also develop.
- Pulpal inflammation: Pulpitis refers to the inflammation of the pulp, which consists of the tissue, blood supply, and nerves located in the center of a tooth. This condition is often a result of an infection caused by a cavity and can lead to sensitivity, swelling, and pain.
- Dry socket: Dry socket is a potential complication that may arise after a tooth extraction, particularly wisdom tooth removal. It occurs when a blood clot fails to form properly or becomes dislodged, exposing the bones and nerves in the gums. Symptoms of dry socket can include throbbing jaw pain, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Tooth fracture: A tooth fracture can occur due to a sudden injury or from biting down on something hard. If the fracture is visible, it may be easily identifiable. Other signs to be aware of include pain, sensitivity to temperature, and swelling.
