Dental pain or injuries can occur unexpectedly, and knowing when to seek urgent treatment can help avert more serious consequences. If you are suffering from a major dental issue, don’t wait. The sooner you seek help, the more likely it is that you can preserve your teeth and health.
If you are ever not sure about seeing a dentist, this guide can help identify signs of urgency to look for. For some issues, waiting can lead to infection or worsen permanent damage. If you are experiencing pain or observe something different in your mouth, you may need to see a dentist in New Westminster immediately.
1. Do You Suffer From Severe Tooth Pain?
If your toothache is intense, sharp, or the pain is constant, this could be a sign of an infection or, more concerning, something like an abscess. Tooth pain that causes you to wake up at night or makes it difficult to eat is not normal.
Severe tooth pain could mean you have
- A tooth nerve that is infected
- A large cavity or a crack
- Some swelling or pressure from underneath the tooth
A dentist can usually locate the source of the pain and treat it effectively before the damage spreads.
2. Have You Knocked Out or Broken a Tooth?
Losing or cracking a tooth is one of the most common reasons people visit an emergency dentist in New Westminster. Injuries from sports, falls, or accidents need fast treatment.
Here’s what you should do if a tooth is knocked out:
- Pick it up by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse it gently in clean water
- Try to put it back in the socket if possible
- If not, place it in milk or keep it inside your cheek
Seeing a dentist within an hour gives you the best chance of saving the tooth.
3. Do You Have Swelling in the Face or Gums?
Facial swelling, especially if it is painful or near your jaw, may mean an infection is spreading. This can be dangerous if left untreated.
You may notice:
- Swollen gums that hurt when touched
- A warm, red area on your face
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Fever or a bad taste in your mouth
These are signs of a dental abscess or gum infection. You need urgent care to remove the infection and protect your health.
4. Are Your Gums Bleeding and Not Stopping?
Some bleeding after brushing or flossing may not be serious. But if your gums are bleeding heavily or suddenly, and it does not stop, it could be an emergency.
This could be caused by:
- Advanced gum disease
- Injury to the gums or mouth
- A problem with blood clotting
Bleeding that does not stop should always be checked right away by a dental clinic near you.
5. Are You Experiencing a Loose Tooth or a Lost Filling?
A tooth that feels loose, even without pain, is not normal. It might mean damage to the bone or infection under the gums. This can happen with advanced gum disease or from trauma.
Lost fillings or crowns are also dental emergencies. They leave the tooth exposed, which can lead to:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- New cavities or fractures
- Infection, if not covered soon
Do not wait. An emergency dentist near you can repair or replace the damaged part and help prevent further problems.
Why Is Emergency Dental Care So Important?
Dental emergencies can worsen quickly. Pain, swelling, or injury should not be ignored. Early treatment can:
- Save your teeth
- Stop infections from spreading
- Reduce your pain
- Lower your long-term dental costs
If you are ever unsure, call a dentist. They can tell you if you need care right away or if it can wait.
Need Urgent Dental Help? Call Us Today
If you are dealing with any of these signs, do not wait. Emergency dental care is available to treat the problem and get you back to feeling better.
Book an appointment with a dentist near you at Artis Dental Centre for fast, professional emergency dental care you can trust.
