How to Know When You Need Emergency Dental Services

Good oral health is vital since infections and other tooth problems can lead to heart disease, diabetes, or even cancer if left untreated. However, even if you brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash, dental problems can still occur.

While most of us are aware when we need to go to the dentist, some issues can go unnoticed and subsequently be left untreated for months. By not knowing the telltale signs of dental problems, your condition could worsen, deeply affecting your health.

If you’ve noticed a crack in your tooth, a foul odor coming from your mouth, or are experiencing pain when you eat; you likely need emergency dental services. Read on to learn more about the most common dental issues to look out for so that you can book an emergency appointment if necessary. 

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Not only are chipped and broken teeth unsightly, but they can also cause grave damage to the root of your tooth. While a slight chip is usually not much cause for concern, tooth trauma can cause large chips, cracks, or broken teeth which can damage the root. This leads to root canal surgery, which is something most people want to avoid.

If you notice chipped or broken teeth, you’ll need to book an emergency dentist appointment. Depending on the severity of the issue, your dentist may be able to fix the chips or crack with composite bonding or a crown, improving the appearance and saving the tooth.

Toothaches

While toothaches are common, this doesn’t mean that they should be ignored. Toothaches stem from damaged nerves and could indicate an issue with your tooth’s root. It could also be a sign of infection. A toothache could also be a sign of impacted wisdom teeth pushing out and against your other teeth.

Since there are many different causes of toothache, some of which can be particularly harmful, it is best to have access to an emergency dentist near you if you have a persistent ache that won’t go away. You may only need a simple composite filling, but it isn’t worth taking a risk when it comes to tooth pain.

Infected Teeth

If you have infected teeth, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. However, it can be difficult to diagnose oral infection early.

One clear indication of gum or tooth infection is a foul odor emanating from your mouth that doesn’t disappear no matter how much you brush or use mouthwash.

Bleeding gums when you brush or floss is also a sign of infection. Your gums may bleed due to gingivitis or a build-up of trapped food between the teeth and gums, which can lead to severe dental problems. An emergency dentist will inspect the affected areas and see whether they simply need professional cleaning to alleviate the early stages of gum disease or if something more serious is at play.

When it comes to infected teeth, the worst-case scenario is that you’ll require either a root canal or tooth extraction. Still, the sooner you see your dentist, the higher your chances of avoiding such drastic measures. 

Make an Emergency Dental Appointment

At Kennedy Heights Dental, we offer emergency dental services to treat any of the issues discussed above.

Whether you have broken a tooth or a persistent toothache, our team of experienced dentists can help. When you visit our dentist clinic, we’ll be able to inspect your teeth and come up with an appropriate treatment plan to get your teeth back to their optimal condition.

At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we strive to provide our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at 778.438.2084. or visit us at 11960 88 Ave, Delta, BC V4C 3C8.