What Is An Emergency Dentist?
When needing an emergency dentist patients are typically looking for pain relief due to problems like a dental abscess or a broken tooth. Dentists are normally available five days a week during normal office hours. An emergency dentist is open during extended business hours, which may include both nights and weekends. They may be also available for on-call services when their office is not open.
The Following Conditions May Qualify as Dental Emergencies:
- Broken or cracked tooth
- Chipped tooth
- Loose tooth
- Trauma or accidents
- Missing tooth
- Ruptured dental abscess
- Severe toothache
- Continual gum bleeding
- Damage to dental restorations
Dental Abscess
Since a dental infection can be unpredictable, it is best to play it safe and assume that a dental abscess represents an emergency. Gum swelling, whether it is causing pain or not, may represent a danger that should involve seeking immediate dental care.
In this case, the goal of treatment would be to halt the spread of the infection, which normally involves taking antibiotics. If the case is severe enough, IV antibiotics may be delivered, and the abscess can be drained to relieve pressure and reduce the severe pain. Emergency dentist.
Toothache
A Toothache Qualifies as A Dental Emergency If:
- It lasts more than just a few days.
- It becomes increasingly severe.
- Involves swelling, inflammation, or bleeding causing pain to the area in or around the mouth.
- Is accompanied by a fever or earache.
Bleeding Gums
Although it is normal to experience bleeding gums after flossing, it could be a sign of gingivitis, or early gum disease. If you are experiencing excessive gum bleeding, particularly if it is recurring and accompanied by pain or discomfort, this is definitely a warning sign that may indicate gum disease.
If your bleeding gums began after you experienced some type of dental trauma, and it isn’t stopping, this would represent a true dental emergency. Contact your emergency dentist at this time.
Swollen Jaw
A swollen jaw could be a sign of an infection, such as of a salivary gland. If your symptoms are accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth, difficulty breathing, fever, or trouble swallowing, seek emergency dental care immediately.
Mouth Tastes Like Metal
If you suddenly start to notice a metal taste in your mouth, it could indicate that an old filling has developed a crack or loosened. If you notice symptoms like this, seek an emergency dentist, as an open filling can make your tooth susceptible to cavities and infections. Left untreated, you will likely have a severe toothache, possibly requiring an eventual root canal procedure.
The Bottom Line
Any condition that involves severe dental pain should be considered as a true dental emergency. Uncontrollable bleeding in the area of the mouth is also something that would require emergency dentist. If in doubt, contact your emergency dentist at (703) 361-2345 to receive recommendations or schedule your consultation.
Dr. Maha Enin, DDS
Dr. Maha Enin believes in providing the highest level of comprehensive quality care to all patients at Royal Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. With 20 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Enin also volunteers her free time at a dental clinic for families in the Manassas, VA community.