Find a Dentist for a Dental Emergency

You may need to find a dentist if you are having a dental emergency. There are numerous signs and symptoms that indicate that emergency services may be needed, and there are various ways to find a professional to fix the problem. Ignoring a dental issue can result in serious consequences, so it is important to understand the situations that call for immediate attention from a dentist.

What constitutes a dental emergency

Determining a dental emergency can be a challenge, as many issues involving the teeth or gums may be painful but do not require urgent treatment. Anyone who is suffering from a dental issue should make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible, but if the problem pops up on the weekend, during a holiday, or in the middle of the night, it is hard to know if immediate action should be taken. There are a variety of reasons to seek emergency care, and certain symptoms and signs are good indicators.

Infection

An infection requires treatment right away, as this condition can be life-threatening. Infection can be caused by a deep cavity, poor dental health, a cracked tooth, gum disease, or recent procedures such as implants and tooth extractions. If not taken care of expediently, a tooth infection can lead to an abscess, which is an infection of the face, mouth, throat, or jaw, and the infection can eventually travel to other areas of the body. Symptoms of a tooth infection include:

• Swelling and redness of the surrounding gum tissue
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pus pockets on the gums
• Pain

Those who suffer from advanced infection may also experience fever, nausea, chills, and vomiting.

Tooth loss

If a tooth is knocked out due to traumatic impact, or if one falls out with no obvious explanation, it is imperative to find a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist may be able to reinsert and save the tooth.

Tooth fracture

If a tooth has a serious fracture, this can lead to infection quickly, so immediate care is necessary. If big enough, the fracture may be visible. Other signs include severe pain, facial swelling, and tooth sensitivity.

Soft tissue injuries

The soft tissues in the mouth and around the teeth can be injured from trauma. Common signs are swelling, pain, and severe, uncontrolled bleeding.   

Simple tactics to find a dentist

If a person’s regular dentist is unavailable or if someone is new in town, there are ways to find a dentist when an emergency arises. If during normal business hours, calling the regular dentist and requesting an emergency visit is usually the easiest option. However, if it is after hours, conducting a web search can locate an emergency dentist in the area. Getting referrals from friends, co-workers, and family members is also a good idea.

Conclusion

When a dental emergency occurs, it is important to find a dentist quickly, no matter what day of the week or time it is. Understanding what signs indicate an emergency and knowing where to look for a provider improves the chances of quick and effective treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

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