Do you have a tendency to ignore dental problems?

Many people think dental problems are less serious than strokes or heart attacks and don’t require prompt attention.

While some dental issues can wait, some require urgent attention.

If you ignore them, they can lead to more severe problems and negatively affect your health.

So, what is a dental emergency?

In this article, we explain how to identify a dental emergency and where to get it treated. 

Signs you need emergency dental care 

• Persistent or severe tooth pain: Tooth pain is one of the most common complaints of patients going to the dentist. Persistent tooth pain can indicate an infection or abscess in the tooth. Severe toothache can be excruciating and can mean that the infection has spread to the surrounding tissues. It is essential to seek prompt dental care in such cases to alleviate the discomfort.
• Swelling or inflammation in the face: A swelling in and around the mouth can indicate an infection. It can be accompanied by a severe toothache, and you can also experience difficulty in opening your mouth. Ignoring this can lead to the infection spreading to other parts of your body and even causing potentially fatal sepsis. Ensure you get prompt attention if you have an inflammation in the mouth or face.
• Loose or knocked-out tooth: A chipped or knocked-out tooth needs prompt attention to increase its chances of saving. If you have a loose tooth due to trauma, don’t touch or wiggle it. Instead, head to an emergency dental clinic to get it treated. Similarly, if your tooth is knocked out of the socket, you can preserve the tooth in milk or saliva. That way, the tooth will remain vital and can be reinserted if you visit the dentist within 30 minutes of the incident.
• Chipped or cracked tooth: A sudden trauma can also cause a chipped tooth. It might be a surface-level injury or involve the deeper layers of the tooth. If it goes deeper than the surface level, it can lead to infections if left untreated. Similarly, a fractured tooth can lead to complications and severe pain if left untreated. In such cases, it is advisable to see a dentist as soon as you can.
• Bleeding gums: Most people think dental problems are just about teeth. However, your gum health is important too. If you notice frequent gum bleeding, go to the dentist promptly. Gum bleeding can be a sign of gingivitis or gum inflammation. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum inflammation and difficult to treat. Gum problems can lead to tooth loss, gum recession, and even increase the risk of heart attacks.
  
• Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth: While bad breath can seem minor and embarrassing, it can indicate underlying problems. Poor oral hygiene can cause bad breath, which can, in turn, increase the risk of cavities. It can also indicate systemic problems like frequent acid reflux. If you notice persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away even with brushing, visit the dentist urgently.

Why choose us?

If you have suffered from a dental emergency and are wondering where to go for treatment in Okotoks, we are here to help.

At D’Arcy Dental, we provide care and treatment for all dental emergencies.

Here are just a few reasons to choose us:

• At D’Arcy Dental, we have a team of highly skilled and experienced emergency dentists in Okotoks. They are experts in handling a wide range of dental emergencies.
• Our dental clinic has cutting-edge technology to ensure you receive the best possible care. From digital X-rays to advanced treatment techniques, we utilize the latest tools to diagnose and treat dental emergencies efficiently.
• Whether you’re dealing with severe tooth pain, a chipped tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or any other dental emergency, our team at D’Arcy Dental is here to help. We offer a comprehensive range of emergency dental services to address your urgent dental needs promptly and effectively.