When to Seek a Dentist for Urgent Dental Care

When something feels amiss in the mouth, individuals should always take a deeper look. However, a concerning oral health issue does not always necessitate urgent dental care. It is important to understand the difference between what constitutes a dental emergency (and, therefore, what requires urgent dental care) and what can wait until normal business hours.

4 signs a person needs urgent dental care

Many emergency dental situations are severe and painful, but some are not. Some come with obviously alarming symptoms, such as profuse bleeding and tooth fragments, while others do not. Regardless of how they present themselves, almost all dental emergencies have the potential to become more severe over a few days or even hours, and some can become life-threatening. For these reasons, it is essential to be able to recognize the signs of a dental emergency and seek urgent dental care when appropriate. Below are the top four signs of serious oral issues.

1.     A toothache is accompanied by a fever, swelling, and more

Toothaches can be uncomfortable and downright painful at times, but treatment can usually wait until Monday. However, when a toothache is persistent, extremely painful, and unexplainable, dentists warn that it could be a sign of infection.

Though you can attempt to alleviate the pain and swelling associated with a toothache with at-home remedies, you should seek urgent dental care if the severity increases and the pain does not disappear. This is especially true if there is a bump around the site that hurts and if the ache is accompanied by fever, swelling, and tooth sensitivity. In the worst-case scenario, a patient could have a dental abscess.

2.     Bleeding is persistent and unexplained

Occasional bleeding during brushing and flossing is normal. It is also to be expected in patients with gum disease or periodontitis. However, people without a confirmed diagnosis experiencing persistent and extreme bleeding, pain, and swelling should contact an emergency dentist right away. The symptom could be a sign of periodontal disease or an underlying medical condition.

3.     Swelling in the jaw or mouth occurs

Unexplained swelling in the mouth or jaw can happen for several reasons, including infection, illness, or, in very rare cases, cancer. Because of the varied causes of unexplained swelling, most medical professionals may agree that it is reason enough to seek urgent dental care.

4.     A tooth breaks or falls out

In most cases, a chipped tooth does not constitute a medical emergency. On the other hand, a broken tooth or losing a permanent tooth may. In this case, you are likely experiencing extreme pain and sensitivity. The only way to restore comfort — and, possibly, to save the tooth — is to entrust it to the care of a dentist who specializes in urgent dental care.

Conclusion

Any oral health abnormality is cause for concern and should prompt individuals to seek dental care as soon as possible. However, some issues, such as those that result in fever, swelling, profuse and persistent bleeding, or tooth loss, could be dental emergencies that require urgent dental care. If you have any further questions, consult with your local dentist today.

Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.

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