When should you call an emergency dentist? Here are five examples of when you should contact your dentist for emergency dental care:
Severe Toothache
Pain is always a sign something is wrong. If your toothache feels intense and won’t go away, you could be dealing with a serious dental issue like an infection. Call an emergency dentist as soon as you can, especially if your pain keeps you from eating, sleeping, and participating in other activities of daily life. If your pain is annoying but not unbearable, you may not need a same-day visit but we’ll still want to see you soon.
Swelling
Infections and abscesses can cause pain and swelling in the face, gums, and jaw. You may also experience a bad taste in your mouth and a fever. If any of these symptoms are present, you should seek immediate treatment.
Uncontrollable Bleeding
If your mouth won’t stop bleeding, it could be an infection, dental trauma, or complication from a previous dental procedure. An emergency dentist can help figure out the root cause of your bleeding! If your gums bleed when you floss, it’s not necessarily an emergency but a sign that you have gum disease. Take steps to improve your oral hygiene and diet, and contact our office to schedule routine cleanings.
Broken Tooth
Many things can break or chip a tooth, like biting on something too hard, getting hit in the face, or tooth decay. Even small cracks can cause issues because they expose your inner tooth to bacteria and increase your risk of further breaks. If you suspect you might have a cracked or broken tooth, please call us right away!
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies. Call your emergency dentist for guidance. If you injured your jaw and face, you may need to go to the ER. If only your tooth is affected, our office can get you in for an appointment right away. First, find your knocked-out tooth and gently handle it by its crown. Put your tooth in a container of water, milk, or saliva so the tooth doesn’t dry out. When you arrive at our office, we will do our best to reinsert and save your tooth.
Emergency Dentist in Chattanooga, TN
We understand that dental emergencies can be very stressful! Dr. Modi and our team strive to provide compassionate and timely emergency dental care. If you’re ever unsure about a dental issue, please give us a call to explain your situation and we’ll recommend whether you need to come in right away or if it’s OK to wait a few days. Call us today to learn more about our comprehensive dental services, including emergency appointments, preventive treatments, restorative solutions, and cosmetic dentistry.