- A broken or chipped tooth. This certainly meets the standard of an emergency. Whether it’s the result of an injury, or because of brittle teeth, a broken or chipped tooth could lead to unwanted consequences if it is not treated promptly.
- Jaw injuries. If you’ve broken your jaw then a trip to the emergency room is probably in order. But a dentist should also be in the loop. He or she will evaluate your oral cavity and teeth to see whether they have also sustained damage.
- Severe toothache. The sooner treatment for a severe toothache begins, the better. A bad toothache could indicate tooth decay, and there could be infection that threatens the tooth. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
- Bleeding gums. This may indicate gum disease. As with a toothache, prompt treatment is best. When it is caught and treated in its earliest stages, gum disease is curable. If is also preventable with brushing and flossing twice a day.
- Knocked out tooth. If you have a tooth knocked out, time is of the essence. Make a beeline for the nearest urgent dental care. If it is treated within an hour there is an excellent chance the tooth can be saved.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
What constitutes a dental emergency? The dictionary says an emergency is an unforeseen crisis requiring immediate action. At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we think that’s about as good a definition as you’re going to find.
Here’s a quick summary of five common dental emergencies: