7 Signs Of A Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can be frightening and often occur without warning. It is crucial to be able to identify the symptoms so that you can get the help that you need as quickly as possible. Below are seven common signs that indicate you might be having a dental emergency. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please visit a dentist or the ER as soon as possible. 
- Severe Toothache
- A Knocked-Out Tooth
- Broken/Cracked Teeth, Broken Crowns, & Loose Fillings
- Swelling In Your Mouth Or Face
- Badly Bleeding Gums
- Swollen, Painful Jaw
- Post-Procedural Pain Or Swelling
1. Why You Should Never Ignore a Severe Toothache
Your teeth are not supposed to hurt, so severe tooth pain is a dental emergency. A toothache accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, or jaw pain can all indicate a possible infection. Untreated dental infections can enter your bloodstream and lead to sepsis, which can cause organ failure and death. Therefore, it’s vital to get your toothache checked out ASAP.
2. A Knocked-Out Tooth Requires Immediate Attention
To try and save your knocked-out tooth, you should rinse it off and replant it in its socket within minutes. You should also call an emergency dentist right away. A knocked-out tooth can include damage to the surrounding teeth, and it can also cause the gums to become irritated. If the tooth is not replanted or replaced, the resulting gap can make eating and speaking difficult. Seek professional help as soon as possible after losing a tooth.
3. Broken Teeth & Loose Fillings Should Be Fixed Promptly
A broken or cracked tooth can be very painful, and it can also lead to infection. The same holds for broken crowns and missing fillings. Waiting to see a dentist can result in more damage to the tooth and more pain for you, so if any of these situations apply to you, please seek treatment immediately.
4. Swollen Face Or Mouth? Call Your Dentist Now!
Another common sign of a dental emergency is swelling in or around your mouth, especially if it makes it difficult for you to open your jaw or eat and drink comfortably. An infection or injury to your teeth, gums, or soft tissue in the mouth could be the culprit. You could also have an abscess, a built-up pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Abscessed teeth don’t clear up on their own — they are a true dental emergency.
5. Badly Bleeding Gums Are A Bad Sign
Gums that are sore, swollen, tender, discolored, or bleeding can also mean you have a dental emergency. Bleeding gums can indicate severe tooth decay, gum disease, root infection, or an abscess. They can even be signs of damage to the ligaments and soft tissue surrounding your teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your dentist as soon as possible to get the help you need.
6. A Swollen, Painful Jaw Should Be Treated Right Away
The cause of a swollen jaw could be anything from an abscessed tooth to TMJ disorder. If your jaw is swollen and you’re also experiencing pain, fever, or trouble opening and closing your mouth, go to the dentist—or the ER if it’s after hours—immediately.
7. Post-Op Dental Issues Can Be A Real Pain
If you’ve recently had oral surgery, a root canal, or another procedure, your dentist probably told you to expect a little pain while you heal. However, sometimes dangerous complications can require emergency care. If you are experiencing post-oral surgery issues such as extreme pain, excessive swelling, bleeding, or other problems, call your dentist immediately. After hours, you should go to urgent care or ER and let the doctor know what’s happening.
San Ramon Emergency Dentist
Dental emergencies range from annoying (a lost filling) to downright painful (an abscessed tooth). However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and see a dentist as soon as possible. If you’re in San Ramon and need urgent dental care, call the office of Dr. Carol Jin, DDS, now to find out whether we can help.