A dental emergency can be a high-stress situation; if it happens, you may not be sure where to turn. If you or one of your family members is experiencing dental pain or has sustained an injury to their mouth or teeth, you might question whether you should go to the emergency room or call your dentist. Your dental professionals at Clayton Smiles in West Clayton, NC, know how upsetting a dental emergency can be, and we want you to call us.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an injury to one or more of your teeth that needs to be treated immediately either to alleviate severe pain or protect your oral health. You may not know if your injury needs to be treated immediately; if that’s the case, call our dental office and let us help determine your next step.
What Does Dental Trauma Look Like?
Dental trauma can occur when you have a blow to your mouth, breaking one or more of your teeth or knocking your tooth completely out. If this happens, we want you to call us immediately so we can work to save your tooth.
Time is critical in a dental trauma situation, so you need to act quickly and follow our instructions about how to proceed.
When Should You Seek Immediate Emergency Dental Treatment
There are three main instances when you should seek immediate dental treatment. They are:
1. Severe tooth pain—If you are experiencing severe pain that is making it impossible to function, you are probably at risk of losing your tooth to decay or infection. Our team can help alleviate your pain with a dental filling or root canal.
2. Tooth infection or abscess—Dental infections can lead to tooth loss, but even more severe medical conditions can occur if left unattended for too long. If you are experiencing tooth pain, jaw pain, or swelling, or you notice an unpleasant odor in your mouth, you may have an infection or abscess, and you need to call us immediately.
3. Dental Trauma—If you break a tooth or your tooth is knocked out of the socket, please get in touch with us immediately.
Are You Looking for Emergency Dental Care in Clayton, NC?
If so, the dental professionals at Clayton Smiles are ready to help. If you have a dental emergency that requires immediate attention, call us at (919) 553-7695 and let us assess the situation and advise you on how to proceed.