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Is your dental problem bad enough that you need an emergency dentist? Although you can always call and talk with your dental office to ask, it is important to know when to head directly to the doctor for immediate help. Here are five situations that require an emergency dentist, and why urgent care is so important. 

Dental Emergencies That Require Immediate Care

1. Severe Toothaches

When you have a tooth that just won’t stop throbbing, it could be a sign of a serious infection, so visit your dentist as soon as possible. While mild toothaches might be able to wait a few days, pain that is severe enough to interfere with your normal daily activities should be taken seriously and reported to your dentist immediately. 

2. Large Dental Fractures

While a small chip off of the corner of your tooth might not be cause for immediate concern, large dental fractures that expose underlying portions of your tooth could cause a long list of problems, including severe dental pain and deeply-rooted infections. Fractures can also increase your risk of cheek or tongue lacerations. 

3. Avulsed Teeth

Anytime you have a tooth that is dislocated or knocked out, you should visit your dentist right away. Teeth that are reinserted within an hour of their initial dislocation are more likely to survive, and the area needs to be cleaned carefully by a dentist to prevent infection. 

4. Sharp Pain When Chewing 

emergency dentistIf you experience acute pain while chewing, it could be a sign of a cavity or a fracture that extends into your dental root. Intermittent pain could be a sign that your tooth is structurally unstable, which might mean the entire tooth needs to be pulled. 

5. Visible Infections

Visible swelling, infections, or pus accumulations should be reported to your dentist right away because they could be a sign of a dangerous abscess. Your dentist can prescribe antibiotics to control the infection and clean out the area to keep the problem from spreading. 

 

Do you have a dental problem that can’t wait until your next appointment? Coulee Family Dental in La Crosse, WI, offers emergency dental care whenever you need it, helping patients avoid dental pain while protecting their overall health. Whether you have a serious dental infection or you are wondering what to do about a new dental fracture, these dental health experts can help. To learn more about their practice, visit them online or call (608) 782-3102.

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