7 Signs You Need Emergency Dentistry

Some dental problems can wait, while others should be addressed immediately. Here are 7 signs that you need to seek emergency dentistry services.

1. A Toothache That Will Not Go Away

Tooth pain might seem harmless if you have sensitive teeth. Those who suffer from sensitive teeth know that a toothache can come and go with hot or cold. Still, a toothache that refuses to go away or a severe toothache is a sign you might need emergency dentistry.



The toothache could be signaling a deeper issue like a large cavity or an infection. If you do not treat a cavity, it can grow and become a much more painful problem. This leads us to our next sign, swollen jaw.

2. Swelling Jaw or Cheek

A cavity that is left untreated can lead to a bacterial infection underneath the gum line. This infection can develop into a pus-filled abscess. Abscesses are dangerous for your health and could lead to permanent damage.

If you notice swelling, the best thing to do is make an emergency dentistry visit with your dentist. This will cut down damage and lessen your risk of further issues like tooth loss. There are many tips for helping a painful abscess heal.



Use a cold compress, take over-the-counter pain medication, and gargle with salt water.

3. A Broken Tooth

Another sign to keep a look out for is a broken tooth. Broken teeth can be painful and cause more damage if left without treatment. It can cause the tooth to further decay or leave you with extreme sensitivity.

Another danger is damage to the nerves in your jaw. These nerves are very sensitive and can take months to heal. The best option for saving the tooth is to visit your dentist so they can cap the tooth.

This will protect the tooth from further damage. Also, it will save you money from a more expensive tooth extraction procedure.

4. Loose Teeth or Tooth

If you have a single loose tooth, it could be a sign of trauma to the tooth. This could happen if your tooth was hit hard while playing sports. But one or several loose teeth could be due to gum disease.



Gum disease can be devastating to your teeth. It is vital to schedule an emergency dentistry visit to review your dental health.

5. Gingivitis or Bleeding Gums

Another sign you need emergency dentistry is bleeding gums. You may have gingivitis which is bleeding, swollen, or tender gums. Gingivitis occurs when plaque buildup on the tooth allows bacteria to grow in the mouth.

A dental hygienist can help with this issue. They have special tools to scale teeth and remove plaque buildup. To prevent gingivitis, we recommend flossing with string or a water flosser.



Water flossers have twenty percent more success in removing plaque buildup than string! Though they are more expensive than string floss, they are worth the investment.

6. Gum Line Is Drooping or Receding: Periodontitis

If you notice that you have pockets on your gum line, then you need an emergency dentistry visit! Periodontitis is when the gum line droops and causes pockets on the gum line. These pockets let bacteria under the gums which can lead to several complications.

Over time, periodontitis will weaken the tooth structure. Damage to the tooth structure leads to tooth decay and loss. Sometimes, people with chronic periodontitis may experience bacterial infections.

These may need antibiotics to clear away the infection. This will result in more dental visits and work in the long run. That means more money out of your pocket and lost time.

The best step toward top dental health is prevention.

Prevention Tips for Gingivitis or Periodontitis

Oral hygiene and care will help in the prevention of these two painful conditions and others. Aside from brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing, we have other helpful tips. We recommend quitting smoking if you do.

Not only does smoking yellow your teeth, but it can also foster the growth of bacteria. Use a mouthwash, especially for those that suffer from constant bad breath or dry mouth. Also, use your resources to locate a dentist near me.

Work to stay as up-to-date with dental checkups and cleanings as possible. Need a new dentist? Meet our doctors and schedule an appointment with Central Dental Associates today!



We would love to help you start taking steps toward a healthier dental care plan. If you're looking for a dentist in Cicero, IL, then we can be of help. Visit our home page for more information. 

7. Constant Headache That Does Not Go Away

An abscess can lead to infections that may lead to low-grade fevers. Also, headaches could be a warning sign of teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can wear down your teeth over time.

You could also experience broken teeth or damage to previous dental work. Besides headaches, you might also feel soreness in your jaw or face. This could trail down your neck or result in ear pain.



For headaches stemming from your temples, the best thing to do is to visit an emergency dentist.

Seek Emergency Dentistry Sooner Rather Than Later

Now you know our top seven warning signs you need emergency dentistry seek help! Don't wait for a toothache to go away on its own. Also, don't assume your tooth pain is always tooth sensitivity.

Waiting will prolong your pain and open the door to complications. Dental health is vital for your overall health. That is why we want to encourage you to seek out dental care as soon as you notice a change.

Let us help you along the journey of improving your dental health. At Central Dental Associates, we rely on our experience and knowledge. This aids us in providing our patients with top-quality dental services.



Visit our general dentistry page to learn more about our services.