Your Guide to Identifying Dental Emergencies

Taking good care of your teeth is crucial for strong, healthy teeth and gums, but that doesn't make you immune to dental emergencies. Dental emergencies are commonplace and usually happen at the worst possible times. While we can't predict them, understanding the different emergencies puts us in a better position to handle them. But what exactly counts as a dental emergency?

Join us today as we explore what constitutes a dental emergency and what to do in case of one. Let's jump straight into it.

When Is a Dental Issue an Emergency?

Excruciatingly Painful Teeth

The first thing that comes to mind when most people think of a dental emergency is a toothache, and rightly so. Pain is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. A toothache typically indicates a severe dental problem,

If you experience persistent pain that won't go away, it's time to see the dentist immediately. The pain could be caused by a cavity, an abscess, or an impacted wisdom tooth. Ignoring the pain only worsens it, so visit your dentist as soon as you can.

Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out

One of the worst things that can happen during a physical altercation or an accident is having your tooth knocked out. Your tooth gets knocked out when forced out of its socket due to physical impact.

If this happens, stay calm, pick up the tooth by the crown, and rinse it with cold water without scrubbing it. If you can, place the tooth back in its socket and bite on a piece of gauze to hold it in place. Next, get to the dentist as soon as possible, as time is of the essence. 

Dental Abscesses

Dental abscesses are painful infections that arise from bacteria breaching the enamel. The infection then spreads to the pulp, causing swelling and pain. An abscess warrants an emergency dental visit before it spirals out of control.

An untreated abscess can lead to facial swelling, fever, and lymph node enlargement. Abscesses don't go away on their own but spread to other parts of the body, like the head and neck.

Badly Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth is not only embarrassing but incredibly painful. While painkillers can provide temporary pain relief, only a dentist can eliminate the pain completely. If you have a chipped tooth, your Seattle dentist will determine the severity of the chip and suggest appropriate restoration options. A chip in the tooth makes the enamel more vulnerable to erosion, decay, and cavities.

Treat Dental Emergencies Like Actual Emergencies

Dental emergencies are just as serious as other medical emergencies. Get in touch with your dentist the moment you experience any of the dental emergencies discussed above. Prompt treatment will get rid of the pain and prevent more substantial damage down the line, so you can have a healthy smile in no time.

Contact Green Leaf Dental for emergency dental care. Our experienced dentists and hygienists are here to help you get back to smiling with confidence again. Contact us today at (206) 316-2351 to schedule your appointment. We offer same-day appointments to patients who are in pain and believe it to be a dental emergency.