4 Tooth Problems That Are Considered Dental Emergencies

If you have a tooth problem that is not addressed immediately, it is possible for the problem to radiate and become dangerous. There are certain tooth problems that will require immediate attention, and if you notice any of them, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. 

During the pandemic, many dental services are prioritising emergency appointments and those with the greatest need. This is why you might want to know if what you're experiencing is considered an emergency or not. Below, you will find four of these problems that will require you to book a dentist appointment as soon as possible.

1. Abscess

An abscess is caused by bacteria infecting one or more of your teeth. The infection will cause pain as well as tenderness, swelling and redness around the affected tooth or teeth. It may even create pus inside the gum area where the teeth are located. For some people, this could be considered a dental emergency because if an abscess is left untreated, it will worsen until it expands outward into your gums or into other tissues in and around your mouth.

2. Broken tooth

Natural teeth are not usually prone to breaking, but sometimes, they can break because of accidental trauma such as being hit in the mouth while playing sports or falling on a hard surface that impacts your face and mouth area. A broken tooth can leave you with pain, but if the tooth itself is not knocked out or has not come off the root, it can still provide a non-painful cover for the affected area. However, a broken tooth can be highly dangerous because it can cause infection and put pressure on a nerve.

3. Exposed root

A broken tooth with an exposed root is one that was partially knocked out while leaving the root intact. This is probably one of the most painful types of dental emergencies because many people experience an extreme amount of pain, fear or both when they are experiencing this type of dental emergency. This type of dental emergency is also dangerous because if the broken tooth is not properly treated, there is no telling if this could become a serious infection or even cause a periodontal problem where the tissue around your gums thins and becomes unhealthy.

4. Severe toothache

Mild and moderate toothaches can usually be treated at home by over-the-counter pain relievers and antibiotics, but severe toothaches can be a sign of a serious problem that needs immediate treatment. 

If you are experiencing any of these tooth problems, it is probably a good idea to call your emergency dentist as soon as possible to see if they have any available appointments and if so, make an appointment immediately.