When is it an emergency to see a dentist?

Understanding Dental Emergencies

Dental problems don’t always happen during working hours. A sudden toothache or a chipped tooth can strike at any time and waiting days for an appointment can be painful and worrying. That’s when Lakewood Dental emergency treatment becomes essential.

An emergency dentist provides urgent care for issues that cannot wait. From severe toothache to broken teeth or infections, quick treatment not only relieves pain but also prevents further damage to your oral health.

Why Toothache Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Toothache is one of the most common reasons people seek emergency dental care. It may start as a dull ache or sensitivity, but when the pain becomes constant or sharp, it signals something more serious.

Possible causes of toothache include:

• Tooth decay reaching the nerve
  
• Infection or abscess in the gum or root
  
• Cracked or damaged fillings
  
• Gum disease or receding gums
  
• Impacted wisdom teeth
  
  

While painkillers may offer temporary relief, they do not address the cause. An emergency dentist can identify the source of the problem quickly and begin the right treatment, whether that’s a filling, root canal therapy or antibiotics for an infection. Acting fast also reduces the risk of losing the tooth altogether.

Broken and Chipped Teeth

A broken tooth can happen suddenly through accidents, sports injuries, or biting something hard. Even a small crack can expose the inner layers of the tooth, causing sensitivity and a higher chance of infection.

Emergency dental treatment for broken teeth may involve:

• Smoothing sharp edges to protect the mouth
  
• Bonding or placing a filling to restore shape
  
• Fitting a crown for strength and appearance
  
• Root canal treatment if the nerve has been affected
  
  

Getting urgent help stops further damage and makes it easier to restore the tooth. Delaying treatment increases the risk of losing the tooth and needing more complex care later.

Swelling, Infections and Abscesses

Dental infections can become serious very quickly. Swelling in the gum, face or jaw is often a sign of a dental abscess, which occurs when bacteria spread to the root of a tooth or into the gum tissue.

Signs you may need urgent treatment include:

• Severe pain that spreads to the ear or neck
  
• Red or swollen gums around the tooth
  
• A bad taste in the mouth or pus discharge
  
• Fever or general unwellness
  
  

Without emergency dental care, infections can spread beyond the mouth and affect overall health. Treatment may include draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, or performing a root canal to remove the infection.

Lost or Knocked-Out Teeth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. If treated quickly, there is often a chance of saving the tooth.

If this happens:

• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
  
• Rinse it gently with water if dirty
  
• Try to place it back in the socket, if possible
  
• If not, store it in milk or saliva until you reach the dentist
  
  

The sooner you see an emergency dentist, the greater the chance the tooth can be re-implanted.

When Fillings, Crowns or Braces Break

It isn’t just natural teeth that can cause emergencies. A lost filling, broken crown, or damaged brace can be painful and inconvenient. Sharp edges may cut the inside of the mouth, and without a filling or crown, the tooth underneath is left unprotected.

Emergency dental care can replace or repair these restorations to keep your teeth secure until a longer-term solution is arranged.

The Risks of Delaying Treatment

Some people put off seeing a dentist, hoping the pain will go away. But dental problems rarely improve on their own. Delaying treatment can:

• Increase the severity of pain
  
• Lead to infection spreading to other parts of the body
  
• Make treatment more complex and costly
  
• Result in tooth loss that could have been avoided
  
  

Getting urgent care means the problem is dealt with quickly and effectively, protecting your teeth and overall health.

How Emergency Dental Treatment Works

Emergency dental appointments are designed to be fast and focused. The dentist will:

1. Assess the problem with a visual examination and, if needed, X-rays.
   
2. Relieve pain immediately, often with local anaesthetic.
   
3. Provide temporary or permanent treatment depending on the situation.
   
4. Give advice on aftercare and arrange a follow-up appointment if required.
   
   

This approach ensures you leave the practice more comfortable, with a clear plan for further treatment if needed.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not every dental emergency can be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Attend regular check-ups so small issues are spotted early
  
• Wear a mouthguard during sports to protect against injury
  
• Avoid chewing hard objects such as ice or pens
  
• Maintain good oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing
  
• Seek dental advice quickly if you notice changes in your teeth or gums
  
  

These simple habits help prevent emergencies and keep your teeth healthier for longer.

The Benefits of Having an Emergency Dentist

Knowing you have access to emergency dental care provides peace of mind. You don’t have to struggle with pain or risk making the problem worse. Instead, you can get fast, professional treatment that restores comfort and protects your smile.

Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or swelling caused by infection, an emergency dentist is there to provide the care you need, when you need it most.

When to Go to A&E Instead of a Dentist

While an emergency dentist can manage most urgent dental issues, there are rare situations where you should go straight to A&E. If swelling makes it hard to breathe, swallow, or open your mouth, or if you suffer a serious facial injury that affects more than your teeth, hospital treatment is needed right away. This ensures that life-threatening complications are dealt with immediately, while dental treatment can follow once you are stable.

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and they often come with intense pain or discomfort. Toothache, broken teeth, infections and knocked-out teeth all need urgent attention to prevent lasting damage.

By seeking emergency dental treatment quickly, you not only get relief from pain but also protect your teeth, gums and overall health. If you ever face a dental emergency, don’t delay. Quick action is the best way to save your smile and avoid bigger problems in the future.