Top 4 Reasons To See An Emergency Dentist

In most cases, people make dental appointments in advance and show up for cleanings or procedures on a set day. But, there are some situations that are emergencies and require immediate dental care. If you experience a dental emergency on the weekend or after business hours, you may need to seek out an emergency dentist in your area that is open. Some examples of dental emergencies include:

Tooth Knocked Out

While teeth are firmly connected to the jaw and are very stable, trauma to the mouth and face can cause a tooth to be knocked out. After a tooth is knocked out, it is important to see a dentist right away, as he or she may be able to save your tooth if you go into the office right away. Locate your tooth, rinse it carefully in warm water, and place it in a cup of milk. In the event that your tooth can't be saved, an emergency dentist can provide other treatment options.

Swelling of Face or Jaw

If your face or jaw swells up for no reason, you should take it seriously and see an emergency dentist. In many cases, swelling of the face and jaw are caused by an abscess, which is a serious infection. Failure to have an abscess treated promptly can allow the infection to spread to other areas of your mouth, which can lead to the need for oral surgery. An emergency dentist can drain a dental abscess and start you on antibiotics in order to get the infection under control.

Severe Pain

Oral pain can be very intense and prevent you from doing day-to-day activities. You don't have to try to tolerate severe pain until your regular dentist's office opens-- an emergency dentist can discover the source of the pain and provide treatment so you can get relief. When you suffer from extreme oral pain at night, on the weekend, or on a holiday, look for a reputable emergency dentist in your area for help.

Broken/Missing Crown or Filling

Crowns and fillings typically last a very long time, but it is possible for them to break or fall out. When this happens, prompt dental care is essential. A tooth that is missing its crown or a filling can be extremely sensitive and may also be quite painful if any nerves are exposed. In addition, a tooth that is no longer protected by a filling or crown is at a higher risk or developing an infection. 

Contact a dental office like Bradley T Piotrowski DDS MSD LLC for more information and assistance.