Whether you are experiencing a dental emergency or not, it is important to call your dentist. In some cases, this can save you time and money in the long run.

In other cases, a dental emergency might be more of a nuisance than a medical issue. That is why it is so crucial to understand what makes a dental emergency and when it might not be one.

Tooth Pain

Tooth pain is a common dental problem. It may be caused by tooth sensitivity, a mouth injury, gum disease, or decay.

If your toothache is mild, it can usually go away on its own within a day or two. If it lasts longer or gets worse, it may be an indication of a more serious problem and you should seek treatment immediately.

Your dentist or a qualified emergency dental professional can identify the cause of your toothache and offer appropriate treatment to help you feel better. However, if your pain is persistent and severe, or has been accompanied by swelling of the gums, it could be a sign of an infection.

For this reason, it is vital to see a specialist, such as an endodontist (a dentist who specializes in tooth pulp and root health) or periodontist, for diagnosis. These professionals are able to assess radiographs (x-ray pictures) and take a detailed history of your pain to make a proper diagnosis.

Tooth Bleeding

Bleeding from your gums, mouth or tooth socket is a sign that something is wrong. It can be caused by a number of things, including gum disease, mouth conditions, dental treatment or surgery, or a dental injury.

If you have a bleeding gums problem, it is essential to get treatment right away. This can save you from serious or permanent damage and prevent more expensive, more complex treatments later on.

It is also important to know the cause of the bleeding so that you can find an appropriate solution. For example, if the bleeding is caused by an underlying medical condition, you will need to be tested for this first before seeking dental treatment.

If the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, you need to call your dentist and make an emergency dental appointment. If you cannot reach your dentist, then go to the nearest emergency room.

Tooth Trauma

Tooth trauma can be a serious problem. Whether you are a victim of a car accident, fight or fall, it is important to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Most tooth injuries are chipped and can be treated with a simple filling. But some exposures may need root canal treatment.

In addition, if your tooth is dislodged or knocked out, it needs to be put back into place quickly or it could die. Depending on your age and the type of injury, your dentist may need to splint your teeth together and stabilize them for a few weeks until they heal.

The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) offers guidelines for treating traumatic injuries to the teeth, including fractures and luxations of permanent teeth, and avulsions and subluxations of primary teeth. The IADT website also includes the free Dental Trauma Guide, which contains photos of different traumatic injuries along with management instructions for both primary and permanent teeth.

Broken Teeth

A broken tooth is a serious dental problem. Depending on the type and severity of the break, it can cause severe pain and lead to infections, which will require extensive treatment, including root canals.

Fortunately, there are ways to fix a broken tooth and restore your smile. The most common type of repair is a crown, which covers the damaged area of the tooth.

However, your dentist may decide to do something else if the broken tooth is too large or has a bad spot to start with. For example, they might suggest bonding a strong tooth-colored plastic or ceramic to the broken tooth and then shaping it until it matches the natural shape of the tooth.

You can also buy temporary tooth repair kits in drugstores and online. These kits are meant to help you deal with the pain and protect your tooth while you wait for your dentist appointment. They often contain dental wax to cover jagged edges, as well as material that can be molded into the shape of a broken tooth to fill in gaps.