When it comes to emergencies, people often know what type of situation is serious enough physically to go straight to the emergency room. But when it comes to dental emergencies, it isn’t always as easy to tell. Finding an emergency dental office isn’t as easy as going to your nearest ER, which means that many either turn up at the emergency room without the right professional to handle their situation, or they wait in pain until they can get an appointment. As an emergency dental professional, I’m often asked what constitutes finding an emergency dentist in Charleston, SC, and what can wait until business hours. Although there are always exceptions, in general these are the things to look for when making a decision.

Signs That You Need an Emergency Dentist – Do I Need to Go to a Dentist Near Me Right Now?

Sudden Tooth Loss – Tooth Knocked Out

Losing a tooth is an unnerving thing for an adult. If your tooth cracks, is knocked out, or is loose, that is an emergency situation that should be addressed immediately. Taking action is imperative so that the tooth can potentially be replanted. If you wait too long, the window for replantation closes, which leads to a whole host of other treatments to solve the missing tooth. If you do lose a tooth, make sure to save it and call an emergency dentist. They can let you know what steps to take to preserve the tooth until you can get to an emergency office.

Swelling

Swelling is one of the most common signs of an infection. An infection in your mouth can potentially be life-threatening, so it is critical to see a dentist immediately. Swelling can occur in your face, gums, or sometimes your lymph nodes. If you allow the infection to spread by not addressing it, it can get into your bloodstream and lead to serious health concerns.

Pain

When you have tooth pain, it can be difficult to function because the pain typically radiates throughout your neck, ear, and jaw. Lying down to sleep only makes the pain greater. And if it is associated with other symptoms like throbbing, facial swelling, or sensitivity, an exam and x-rays are necessary to see what is going on and determine how to address it.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

If you have a broken or cracked tooth, the severity will determine how best to treat it. It is important to try to save whatever is left of the tooth. Call an emergency dentist immediately for guidance on what to do to save the tooth.

A Growth or Sore

Any growth or sore in the gums or mouth should not be ignored. If it doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of oral cancer. The only way to make sure that it isn’t anything serious is to have an evaluation by an emergency dentist. Statistics indicate that 53k Americans were diagnosed with cancer in 2019 alone. Make sure you don’t ignore the signs. Treatment is available if it’s caught early enough.

Severe Toothache

One of the most common reasons people seek emergency dental care in Charleston is because they are experiencing pain. A toothache can be debilitating, and ignoring it will not make it any better. The only way to know for sure what is going on and to treat it is to call an emergency dentist for an evaluation.

My Tooth is Killing Me – What Do I Do?

If you have tooth pain, it is important to investigate it immediately. As with most health conditions, ignoring symptoms will likely make them more severe. When it comes to dental care, early treatment is the best way to increase your chances for successful recovery. There is no sense in waiting if you are experiencing pain. Go to your nearest emergency dental office and have a professional rule out signs of serious trouble and treat your issue so you can get some relief.

At Tatum Dentistry, we have a saying that if it is an emergency to you, it is an emergency to us. It is always better to be safe than sorry. And it doesn’t make any sense to wait when you can get your questions and concerns addressed immediately. If you fear you have a dental emergency, especially on a Saturday, reach out to our team of professionals immediately. We can get you the help you need when you need it most.