A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate care to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain or prevent tooth loss. While these scenarios can be frightening, the staff at Smile Dental Center is here to help you.
In An Emergency
- During office hours, we will see you immediately to treat your injury.
- After hours, call us at (203) 712-7726 and follow the instructions provided.
- If your situation is a medical emergency that requires immediate care, call 911.
Signs You Need Emergency Care
If you experience trauma to the mouth or teeth, it’s important to remain calm. In some cases, at-home care will suffice but more severe injuries may require emergency dental care.
In the following situations, seek emergency immediate care:
- A tooth is knocked out of your mouth
- An injury moves teeth out of position
- A tooth has become loose or fractured
Very serious scenarios, in which you have cuts on your gums or cheeks, require fast action. A half hour could be the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Situations that require care include:
- Loose Teeth: Adults can experience loose teeth for a variety of reasons. If caused by injury, the area should be examined for signs of nerve or jaw damage. An infection that’s left untreated can also loosen teeth and lead to loss.
- Severe Toothache: Minor toothaches, caused by a number of issues, can be treated with at-home care. If the pain is lingering or gets progressively worse, it’s time to visit your dentist.
- Numb Tooth: If your severe toothache suddenly goes numb, it may indicate the infection has moved into the root. Seek immediate attention to stop further nerve damage.
- Metallic Taste: If you have metal fillings, a metallic taste in your mouth might indicate an old filling has cracked or become loose. Open fillings can leave your tooth vulnerable to bacterial infections.
- Bleeding, Aching Gums: Painful, bleeding gums may be a sign of gum disease. It’s important to identify this issue early, as untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
- Swollen Jaw: A swollen jaw might indicate a more serious infection. Seek immediate emergency dental care if you also have a bad taste in your mouth, fever or experience trouble breathing or swallowing.
- Dental Abscess: An abscessed tooth is a very painful infection, usually at the root of the tooth. An abscessed tooth will usually require oral surgery to drain and treat the infection.
Canker sores, abrasions and other lingering mouth sores can also become infected. Contact your dentist if you have any open wound in your mouth that has not healed after two weeks.