What Constitutes a Dental Emergency? Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly and may involve significant discomfort, pain, or visible damage to your teeth and gums. When these issues arise, it’s essential to know which symptoms need urgent attention to prevent further complications. At Marlborough Dental Centre in Calgary, we understand the importance of prompt dental care for critical situations, which is why we’re here to help you identify what constitutes a dental emergency and guide you toward relief. Recognizing the signs of a dental emergency could be the difference between saving and losing a tooth or preventing a minor issue from escalating into a major one. 

Here are key signs that you may need emergency dental care and shouldn’t ignore. 

Severe Toothache That Won't Go Away 

A persistent, severe toothache can be a warning sign of an underlying issue that requires immediate attention. Toothaches can occur for various reasons, including cavities, infections, or trauma to the tooth. When the pain becomes intense and interferes with your ability to eat, sleep, or concentrate, it’s time to seek emergency dental services. 

Studies have shown that untreated toothaches are often linked to more serious conditions, like abscesses, which can lead to significant health issues if left unattended. At Marlborough Dental Centre, we provide urgent dental care for Calgary residents experiencing unrelenting pain. Addressing the problem early can prevent further complications and alleviate the discomfort quickly. 

Broken or Chipped Tooth 

Breaking or chipping a tooth can be shocking and uncomfortable. Whether it’s due to a fall, sports injury, or biting down on something hard, a broken tooth can expose nerves, cause sensitivity, and leave you vulnerable to infection. Even minor chips should be assessed, as they can worsen over time or lead to other issues. 

Marlborough Dental Centre specializes in emergency dental procedures, including broken tooth repair. It’s essential to seek care immediately, as prompt treatment not only restores the appearance of your smile but also protects the tooth from further damage or infection. 

Knocked-Out Tooth 

Having a tooth knocked out is undoubtedly alarming, and time is of the essence when dealing with this kind of dental emergency. If you act quickly, there is a chance the tooth can be successfully reinserted. Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it, and try to place it back in its socket. If this isn’t possible, store it in milk or a saline solution and seek emergency dental care immediately. 

Marlborough Dental Centre offers 24-hour emergency dentist services to handle these urgent cases. Our team will work to preserve the knocked-out tooth and explore solutions to restore your smile and oral health. 

Uncontrolled Bleeding in the Mouth 

Bleeding in the mouth can happen for various reasons, such as a sports injury, a dental procedure, or gum disease. However, if the bleeding is excessive and doesn’t subside with gentle pressure, it could be a sign of a more serious issue that needs urgent attention. 

Uncontrolled bleeding can lead to blood loss, infection, and further trauma to the soft tissues. At Marlborough Dental Centre, our emergency dental clinic in Calgary is equipped to provide the necessary care to stop the bleeding, assess the damage, and promote healing. 

Abscessed Tooth 

An abscessed tooth is a serious dental infection that forms at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gums. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling in the face, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. Left untreated, an abscess can spread to other areas of the body and become life-threatening. 

If you suspect you have an abscessed tooth, it’s essential to seek urgent dental care. At Marlborough Dental Centre, we offer specialized emergency dental procedures to treat abscesses and prevent the spread of infection. Our team will work to relieve your pain, eliminate the infection, and safeguard your overall health. 

Lost Filling or Crown 

Losing a filling or crown might not seem like an emergency, but it can expose the tooth to infection and decay, leading to more severe problems if ignored. A missing filling or crown leaves the inner layers of the tooth vulnerable to bacteria and further damage, potentially resulting in more extensive and costly treatment. 

Emergency dental care can repair the tooth promptly, preventing further decay and protecting your oral health. Marlborough Dental Centre provides quick and effective treatment for Calgary residents experiencing a lost filling or crown. 

Swelling or Pain in the Jaw 

Pain and swelling in the jaw can be caused by a range of issues, from infections to trauma or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Swelling, in particular, can indicate an infection or abscess, which can spread to other parts of the body if untreated. 

Marlborough Dental Centre in Calgary offers emergency dental services to help diagnose and treat jaw pain and swelling, ensuring that the underlying cause is addressed and managed effectively. Seeking help early can prevent additional discomfort and complications. 

Don’t Ignore the Signs of a Dental Emergency 

When it comes to dental emergencies, early action is key. Issues such as severe toothaches, broken teeth, abscesses, and jaw pain can quickly escalate if not treated promptly, leading to more pain, expense, and complications. Marlborough Dental Centre in Calgary is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate emergency dental care for patients of all ages. 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Contact Marlborough Dental Centre’s emergency dental clinic today to protect your smile and maintain your oral health. Our team is here to provide immediate relief and expert care, helping Calgary residents with their urgent dental needs around the clock. 

FAQ’s 

Q: How quickly should I seek care for a dental emergency?
A: If you’re experiencing intense pain, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth, seek emergency dental care immediately. Quick action can often save a tooth or prevent infection. 

Q: How do I relieve severe tooth pain until I see a dentist?
A: Rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the tooth or gums. 

Q: Does Marlborough Dental Centre offer 24-hour emergency dental services?
A: Marlborough Dental Centre provides urgent dental care during office hours and can guide patients on the next steps if an emergency occurs after hours. Contact us for your emergency dental needs.