5 Signs You Need to Call an Emergency Dentist

Are you experiencing some out-of-the-ordinary dental problems, like a wiggly tooth or an on-again, off-again toothache? Are you worried that your symptoms might evolve into something more serious? Unfortunately, that is usually the case with oral health issues like toothaches. On the bright side, even during the coronavirus pandemic, your dentist is still open to treating dental problems like these. Here are some signs that you need to visit your dentist for emergency treatment.

You Have a Loose Tooth

If you’re an adult, your teeth should stay firmly rooted in their sockets without wiggling around. Loose teeth could indicate a few different things, such as an injury that slightly knocked your tooth out of its socket. It could also mean you have advanced gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Even if your tooth doesn’t hurt, you should still get it evaluated by your dentist, just to be on the safe side.

You Have an On-Again, Off-Again Toothache

You might think that your toothache is not that serious just because the pain fades away sometimes. As a general rule, though, healthy teeth don’t hurt. Maybe your tooth only hurts when exposed to heat or cold. Maybe it only hurts when chewing. Whatever the case may be, you should get your problem tooth examined by your dentist as soon as you can.

Your Toothache Is Severe

Does your tooth pain keep you from getting to sleep at night? Does it hurt to even smile at people? If your toothache distracts you from just going about your daily life, that’s when you know you need emergency care. Call your dentist as soon as humanly possible. You might have a severe injury or cavity that needs immediate attention.

Your Gums Bleed

Do you see a spot of pink or red in the sink after you brush or floss? You might think that’s normal, but it’s actually a symptom of gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease. If you don’t get gum disease treated in a timely manner, you could eventually lose your teeth!

You Have a Bump on Your Gums

Although this bump might resemble a pimple, resist the temptation to pop it like a pimple. This bump is usually caused by a dental abscess, which is a type of infection. Putting off treatment could cause the infection to spread to other areas of your mouth and even other parts of your body.

If any of these situations sound familiar to you, seek treatment from your dentist right away. It could save your teeth!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Holland earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1990. Over the past quarter of a century, he has taken ample post-graduate courses in several aspects of dentistry, including sedation dentistry to help emergency patients relax in the dental chair. His practice in San Antonio can offer you same-day appointments for dental emergencies. If any of the above situations describe you, contact Dr. Holland’s office by calling (210) 804-1558.