Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, causing pain, anxiety, and uncertainty. It’s important to know which situations require immediate care and how to respond. At Canyon Gate Dental in Orem, Utah, we are here to help you identify the top 5 signs of a dental emergency and guide you on what to do next.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t delay—contact Canyon Gate Dental in Orem, Utah for immediate assistance. Our team is here to provide fast and effective care during dental emergencies to ensure the best outcomes for your oral health.
1. Severe Tooth Pain That Won’t Go Away
If you’re experiencing intense tooth pain that doesn’t subside, it could be a sign of a serious underlying issue, such as an infection, abscess, or damaged nerve. Tooth pain that lasts for hours or even days should never be ignored. Over-the-counter pain relievers can offer temporary relief, but you’ll need to see a dentist as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the root cause.
What to Do Next: Call Canyon Gate Dental immediately for an emergency appointment. In the meantime, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and discomfort.\
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies and requires immediate action to save the tooth. If handled quickly, there’s a good chance the tooth can be successfully re-implanted.
What to Do Next: Retrieve the tooth by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. Try to place the tooth back into its socket, or store it in a glass of milk until you can get to Canyon Gate Dental.
3. Uncontrollable Bleeding in the Mouth
If you have uncontrollable bleeding in your mouth due to an injury, it’s critical to seek emergency dental care. This could result from trauma, oral surgery complications, or gum disease. Prolonged bleeding is a sign that the issue requires professional treatment.
What to Do Next: Apply gentle pressure to the bleeding area using a clean cloth or gauze. If the bleeding persists for more than 15 minutes, contact Canyon Gate Dental immediately or head to an emergency room.
4. Swelling in the Jaw or Face
Facial or jaw swelling is often associated with infections, such as a dental abscess, or other serious conditions. Infections can spread quickly, leading to severe complications if left untreated.
What to Do Next: If you notice swelling along with pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing, contact Canyon Gate Dental right away for emergency care. Applying a cold compress to the area can help reduce swelling temporarily.
5. Broken or Cracked Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth may not always be painful, but it can still lead to long-term damage or infection if not treated quickly. This is especially true if the crack extends into the tooth’s root, which can compromise the tooth’s structure.
What to Do Next: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Contact Canyon Gate Dental for an emergency appointment, as early treatment can prevent further damage.
