Dental injuries can happen suddenly and catch you off guard. Knowing when to reach out to an emergency dentist can provide reassurance and help protect your oral health. Some injuries may be minor, but others might need prompt attention. If you’re determining when to seek urgent help after a dental injury, the following signs can guide you in making the right decision:
Knocked Out Tooth
Losing a tooth from an accident can be a challenging experience. If you act quickly, a dentist may be able to help save the tooth. First, gently pick up the tooth by the crown, which is the chewing surface, not the root. Rinse it with water if it’s dirty, but avoid scrubbing.
Try to place the tooth back in its socket if possible, or hold it in your mouth next to your cheek. If that’s not comfortable, put it in a container of milk or your saliva. Contact an emergency dentist right away. Acting fast increases the chances that the tooth can be successfully replaced. If you cannot reach a dentist immediately, try to keep the tooth moist at all times and avoid letting it dry out, as this can reduce the chances of successful reimplantation.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
While small chips might wait for regular dental hours, severe breaks need urgent attention. If you have a large piece of tooth missing, visible damage, or experience sharp pain, contact a dentist or other dental professional as soon as possible. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove debris, and apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling. Save any pieces of the broken tooth and take them with you to your appointment. Prompt dental attention helps reduce pain and supports healing.
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding after an injury is common, but if it doesn’t stop after a short period, it’s time to seek immediate help. Apply pressure using a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding continues after 10 minutes of firm pressure, call an emergency dentist or visit the emergency room. Uncontrolled bleeding may signal a more serious injury that needs prompt attention.
Severe or Persistent Pain
Pain often lets you know that something is wrong. If you are dealing with intense, relentless pain after dental trauma, it is not wise to ignore it. An injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw could cause pain that lingers or interferes with your daily activities. Contacting an emergency dentist provides guidance. Managing pain early supports your comfort and well-being.
Signs of Infection
After a dental injury, watch for swelling, redness, pus, or a foul taste in your mouth. These signs may indicate an infection and require the intervention of an emergency dentist. Fever, increased sensitivity, or ongoing discomfort are other signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Dental infections sometimes progress quickly, so seek help as soon as you notice these symptoms. Timely treatment reduces the risk of complications.
Book an Appointment with an Emergency Dentist
If you experience any of these situations, contact a professional. Acting promptly, keeping any broken or knocked-out pieces safe, and calling a dental professional are productive ways to respond. Protecting your oral health requires knowing when to act. When in doubt, reach out for professional advice and book an emergency appointment.