Avoiding Emergency Dental Treatment: 10 Symptoms To Watch For

At NEESH Dental, we believe that preventive care and education are the keys to optimal dental health. We strive to provide dental health care versus ‘disease care’ or emergency treatment, with a focus on thorough regular exams. However, even with the most diligent preventive measures, accidents can happen. Should a dental emergency occur, we make every effort to see and care for you as soon as possible. Keep reading to find out how to determine the severity of your dental problem and what to do about it.

What to do in a dental emergency

The first thing to do when facing any major or minor dental emergency is to stay calm and rationally evaluate your condition. Determining the severity of the situation can be difficult as each case is different and subjective—use your best judgement, and call NEESH dental clinic to explain your symptoms and get our professional advice. Some minor emergencies can wait a day or two with minimal risk of permanent damage. Others need treatment immediately to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. In those cases, we will advise you to go to the ER or refer you to a minor emergency dental clinic. 

10 signs and symptoms of dental emergencies

Not every dental situation should be classified as an emergency, but it can be tough to know with certainty just how much of an emergency your situation is. Any of the following symptoms should be taken seriously as a potential dental emergency: 

1. Achy or bleeding gums 
2. A loose or missing tooth
3. A chipped or cracked tooth 
4. An abscess or infection 
5. Persistent toothache, combined with headache or fever
6. Severe pain of any kind
7. Swollen jaw or face 
8. Persistent canker sore or lesion (more than 2 weeks)
9. A lost or damaged crown
10. A lost or damaged filling (metallic taste) 

How to know if it’s a dental emergency

If you need help determining whether your dental problem is an emergency, give us a call so that we can advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation. If you need immediate assistance while our clinic is closed, it’s best not to risk the wait or worsen the problem. Go to the ER and call us as soon as our next opening hours begin.

5 ways to prevent dental emergency treatment: 

1. Visit your dentist twice each year for cleanings and exams
2. Maintain good oral hygiene with daily flossing and brushing
3. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packaging or bottles
4. Wear a mouthguard during sports
5. Be proactive if you have any pain or abnormalities in your mouth—don’t wait for things to go away or they may get worse. 

Nobody wants the stress of dealing with a dental emergency. That’s why we are strong proponents of preventive care and oral health education. By keeping a close watch on the overall health of your teeth and gums, we can preserve the integrity of your teeth and reduce the chances of needing costly emergency dental treatment. We hope you never have to face a dental emergency, but if you do, we are here for you!