What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
December 29, 2021
If you experience tissue injury or accompanying facial pain, then it may be a dental emergency! An abscess or infection can be potentially life-threatening. For severe pain in the mouth, you should see a dentist immediately to have the tooth examined and treatment determined.
Still, not every dental pain should be considered an emergency. These questions can help you decide:
- Do you have severe pain? Severe pain suggests an emergency
- Have you lost a tooth? Sometimes a tooth can be saved, but emergency attention is required.
- Do you have loose teeth? An adult tooth that is loose or has fallen out, even in absence of pain, is a problem.
- Do you have an infection? Treatment of an abscess or infection should not wait because it can be life-threatening. Swelling about the face or bumps on your gums may be an indication of infection.
- Are you bleeding from the mouth? Bleeding is a potential sign of an emergency.
In general, any dental problem that needs immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth is considered an emergency.
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