What is a Dental Emergency?

When dealing with any dental-related concern, the dentist should be your first call. This is especially the case when it may be considered an emergency. At Dentistry on 88, we offer after hours virtual services (teledentistry) with our Emergency Hotline.   If you are experiencing a dental emergency and need guidance on next steps, please feel free to call the emergency hotline any time of day.

Did you know that approximately 22% of people have experienced oral pain within the last six months? This goes to show how common dental emergencies can be. However, not every dental situation may be considered an emergency.

When experiencing what you may think is an emergency, ask yourselves the following questions.

How severe is your pain?
Unbearable pain or even bleeding are signs of an emergency.

Have you lost a tooth?
Treatment in a timely manner can potentially save a tooth, deeming it an emergency.

Are any of your teeth loose?
Adults should never lose their teeth. Signs of a loose tooth, even without consistent or any pain, can be considered an emergency.

Do you think you have an infection?
A serious infection or even an abscess can potentially be life-threatening, and it should be considered an emergency. If swelling has reached your gums & face, please call our hotline.

Are you bleeding from your mouth?
Any abnormal bleeding should be considered an emergency.

To briefly define, a dental emergency is any dental related problem that requires immediate treatment or assistance to alleviate the following;

• Bleeding
• Severe Pain
• Potentially Life-Threatening (typically related to infection)

Common dental emergencies range from the following; unexplainable toothache, swollen or bleeding gums, swollen mouth or jaw, exposed nerves, a knocked-out tooth, missing filling, broken crown, or an abscessed tooth.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency or still have questions regarding whether it is an emergency, please call our Dentistryon88 Emergency hotline. After all, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week!