A sudden toothache, major oral bleeding, or a loose tooth can quickly turn your day upside down and leave you wondering what to do next. Knowing you have a true dental emergency allows you to confidently take action, get the right care quickly, and avoid unnecessary stress. Therefore, it is a good idea to understand what qualifies as a dental emergency.
Go to the ER or the Dentist?
If you injure your face or jaw and you are experiencing swelling and/or bleeding, or if you think your jaw or facial bones are fractured, go straight to an emergency room. The ER team will check for broken bones and ensure any serious injuries are properly treated. Afterwards, you can seek any necessary dental treatment.
If the damage is limited to your teeth, gums, or the soft tissues inside your mouth, a dental office is usually the best place to go. Emergency rooms are seldom equipped to provide specific treatment for dental injuries. At Lakeside Dental in Folsom, our team is prepared to address dental emergencies promptly and comfortably, so you receive relief without unnecessary delays.
Signs of a Dental Emergency
Not every dental concern requires same-day care, but the following situations are examples of problems that require prompt attention.
Continuous Bleeding
Occasional minor bleeding after brushing or flossing is a sign of gum disease and worthy of making a dental appointment, but not an emergency. Steady or excessive bleeding in the mouth is different. A cut or tear in your gums, cheeks, or tongue, that doesn’t stop bleeding in a matter of minutes requires immediate attention. Manage the bleeding by applying gentle pressure to the injured area using clean gauze or a damp tea bag. Then contact our Lakeside Dental team right away to determine your next steps.
Loose, Broken, or Knocked-Out Teeth
A tooth that is loose or has been knocked out needs quick action in order to give your dental team the best chance of saving your natural tooth. If your tooth has been knocked out, rinse the tooth and try placing it back in its socket, only touching the crown (the top part) of the tooth. If that’s not possible, keep it moist in milk or inside your cheek and call us immediately. Time is a major factor in successful treatment of an evulsed tooth.
Severe or Ongoing Tooth or Jaw Pain
Sudden or constant tooth or jaw pain often is a sign of an infection, abscess, or cracked tooth. These problems don’t resolve on their own and worsen if left untreated. Pain that keeps you from sleeping, eating, or focusing on daily activities is your body’s way of asking for immediate help! Our goal at Lakeside Dental is to identify the cause of your pain, treat the source, and provide relief as soon as possible.
Quick Dental Care Matters
Unfortunately, most dental infections and injuries escalate if they’re not treated promptly. Oral infections can become blood infections that require hospitalization if not cured while the problem is still localized in the mouth! Quick action addresses serious issues early and may help save your natural tooth. In addition, it prevents a relatively minor issue from becoming more serious and helps you avoid complex and costly treatments down the road.
At Lakeside Dental, we understand that emergencies can’t always wait for a scheduled appointment. Our team makes every effort to accommodate same-day visits whenever possible. We want you to feel confident that you have a trusted dental office to turn to when something unexpected happens.
Don’t Wait It Out!
We hope this brief article gives you the confidence to seek emergency dental treatment when necessary. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to call and ask. Our experienced staff will talk through your symptoms, offer immediate guidance, and prepare for your arrival if you need to be seen right away. When dental emergencies strike, you don’t have to handle them alone! The team at Lakeside Dental in Folsom is here to help you feel better quickly and protect your smile for a lifetime!
