Why Do I Need an Emergency Dentist? 

There are many different reasons that you may need to visit an emergency dentist. The most common reason is tooth pain.  Toothaches are your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right in your mouth. Seeking immediate dental care can resolve the issue quickly, so you can return to your normal life activities.

1. Pain

Pain can be caused by a number of things. It is a common sign that something is wrong and needs to be looked at by an experienced clinician.  Typically pain signals that there is an issue with the tooth, the tissues around it or something else is causing the discomfort.

This is why it is so important to seek emergency dental care.  The CDC recommends that dental emergencies be treated within 24 hours of their onset. This is especially true for severe pain and bleeding that requires immediate treatment.

However, some issues do not necessarily require emergency dental care. For example, if you have a chipped tooth that does not hurt and does not cause any bleeding, you may be able to wait a few days before seeing your dentist.

2. Bleeding

Sometimes, bleeding is an indication of something going wrong inside your mouth. This can occur with toothache, broken teeth, and other problems. Emergency dentistry in Fairview is equipped to perform X-rays and cleanings to remove any blood and determine what is causing the problem.

Bleeding gums can signal an underlying medical issue, such as diabetes or heart disease.  When bleeding gums are accompanied by pain and swelling, they should be treated immediately.  If you experience bleeding after a tooth extraction, use gauze to apply pressure to the area.

You can also place a tea bag on the site to help stop the bleeding.  Dental emergencies can occur at any time, and it is best to be prepared for them. Fortunately, there are many dentists who offer emergency appointments.

3. Infection

An infection is when germs enter your body and start to make you sick. Some infections cause sickness in the whole body (like a fever, body aches and coughing), while others may affect just one part of your body.

Infections are caused by a variety of germs called pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses and parasites. They can invade, multiply and interfere with your normal function.  Your immune system fights off most infections, but sometimes they are able to overwhelm it. This can lead to illness, organ or tissue damage and disease.

4. Loss of a Tooth

Losing a tooth is not only uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it can also have negative effects on your health and self-esteem. It can lead to problems with eating, speaking, and intimacy.  Aside from trauma and dental decay, other factors that can cause a person to lose a tooth include disease and poor general health.

For example, diabetes puts people at greater risk for periodontitis and lowers their body’s ability to heal.  If you lose a tooth, it’s vital to get treatment right away. Often, an emergency dentist will replace the tooth to prevent future oral complications that could occur.

5. Trauma

The stress of a traumatic event can have long-lasting effects on your mental, physical, and emotional health. This can lead to a number of different symptoms, including anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD.

The body responds to trauma by activating the amygdala, a part of the brain that detects threats. This response causes the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline that prepare you for a fight-or-flight response.

Trauma can be one-time or chronic, lasting for a long time and often related to repeated events such as abuse, bullying, or neglect.  People suffering from trauma may develop coping mechanisms to help them cope with the feelings of anxiety, fear or distress. These can include maladaptive behaviors like smoking or alcohol use. But these unhealthy coping strategies can also lead to serious health issues.