Dental emergencies can strike at any time, causing pain, discomfort, and anxiety. While not all dental issues require immediate attention, some problems demand prompt care to prevent further complications. It’s important to note that in the case of a serious medical emergency, calling 911 or heading to a hospital’s emergency room is the right course of action! In this article, we will discuss four common dental problems that constitute a dental emergency. If you are experiencing any of these problems, you should call a dentist right away so they can fit you in for an appointment as soon as possible!

Serious Toothaches or Numbness

A severe, persistent toothache can be an indicator of underlying issues such as infection or decay. Numbness in the teeth or gums might signal a dental emergency, as it can indicate nerve damage. These symptoms can disrupt daily life and may require immediate dental attention to diagnose and address the root cause.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a painful pocket of pus below the root of a tooth, often caused by an infection or untreated dental issues. The pain, swelling, and fever associated with a dental abscess can constitute a dental emergency, meaning you should see your dentist right away. Failure to address an abscess promptly can lead to serious complications, making immediate treatment crucial. Some symptoms of a dental abscess include a bad taste in your mouth that can cause bad breath and continuous pain that can affect sleeping.

Swollen Jaw

A swollen jaw can be caused by various dental problems, including infection, trauma, or an impacted tooth. These conditions can cause extreme discomfort when eating and speaking, constituting a dental emergency. If you notice that your jaw has become swollen from an underlying problem with your teeth or gums, you should call your dentist and schedule an appointment for as soon as possible!

Knocked-Out or Cracked Teeth

Accidents and injuries can result in knocked-out or cracked teeth that need to be addressed by a dentist as soon as possible. If you’ve knocked out a tooth, you should locate the tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, then attempt to gently put the tooth back in its socket and call an emergency dentist. For a cracked tooth, you should rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a compress to the affected area to reduce swelling, and call an emergency dentist.

Contact Gentle Dental Maine!

If you’re a resident of the Southern Maine region that is currently having a dental emergency, please call one of our offices right away! With offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham, we proudly provide all residents of the Southern Maine region with emergency dental care, even if you’re not yet a patient of ours! Give us a call at any one of our offices so we can fit you in for an appointment as soon as possible!