COVID-19 UPDATE
Skip to content

What is a Dental Emergency?

What is a Dental Emergency

Putting off important medical care can lead to more serious problems in the future, especially in the case of an emergency. It’s important to know when you have an urgent dental issue so that you can get prompt treatment. So, what is a dental emergency? Here’s what to watch for.

Dental Trauma

One warning sign of a dental emergency is if you have experienced a trauma to your mouth, face, or jaw. Dental emergencies caused by trauma usually happen while playing sports or during a traumatic event like a car accident or fall, but it can happen at any time due to any type of impact.

If you’ve experienced a trauma that you suspect might have impacted your teeth, check for signs of chipped, broken, misaligned, or knocked-out teeth. If you notice that your teeth look different than usual in any way, call your dentist right away.

Even if you don’t see signs of visible damage, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist so that they can examine your teeth and perform x-rays, if needed, to check for any signs of damage beneath the surface of the teeth.

Tooth Decay

Another type of dental emergency can happen when your tooth is damaged from cavities or erosion of the outer layer of the teeth. If not treated promptly, this type of damage can reach deeper and affect the root of the tooth, resulting in dental decay or loss of the tooth.

Signs of dental decay include increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, the appearance of a hole or small dot on a tooth, discoloration, or discomfort when chewing or biting down.

Gum Disease

When asking the question, “What is a dental emergency?” many people only think of conditions that affect their teeth, but dental emergencies can also include conditions that affect the gums. If your gums bleed, appear red or swollen, or are tender, talk with your dentist about your gum health.

If in Doubt, Ask Your Dentist

The question, “What is a dental emergency?” isn’t always something you can answer on your own, so if you have any concerns it’s always best to check with your dentist. Your dentist has the expertise to diagnose a dental emergency and the tools to treat it so you can get relief and keep your smile healthy and strong.

Call our Forney Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.

Back To Top