Dental emergencies can pop up when you least expect them. Persistent pain, discomfort, and swelling can all be signs of a dental emergency. It's important to have any concerning dental issues evaluated as soon as possible. Putting off dental care can lead to more serious issues down the road. If you're wondering what's considered a dental emergency, we have the answers! Here's a guide to dental emergencies and emergency oral surgery.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency can happen to anyone. They are common, but not every dental issue is an emergency. 

To help you understand a true dental emergency, as yourself the following:

• Are you in a lot of pain? Severe pain is a sign of an emergency.
• Have you lost a tooth? Quick emergency treatment can save a tooth.
• Do you have a loose tooth or teeth? Adults should not lose teeth.
• Do you have signs of an infection? Infection is an emergency.
• Are you bleeding from the gums or mouth? Bleeding can be serious.

Any dental issue that requires treatment to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save your teeth is a dental emergency. An infection in your mouth can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, contact an oral surgeon in Lutz, FL.

Severe Toothache

Toothaches aren't just a nuisance. They shouldn't be ignored or taken lightly. Pain is how your body tells you something is wrong. If you're experiencing severe toothache pain or persistent discomfort, find a qualified emergency dentist as soon as possible. Sudden, unexplainable tooth pain is an emergency. 

Swollen or Bleeding Gums 

If your mouth or jaw suddenly looks swollen for no apparent reason, it's time to see the dentist. You could have irritated lymph nodes, an infection, or some other dental issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you're experiencing persistent bleeding from the mouth or gums, this can also be a sign of a serious dental issue. 

Exposed Nerves

An exposed nerve can cause extreme pain. The problem will continue to get worse unless you see a dentist. To prevent further damage, infection, or more extensive oral surgery, seek dental care as soon as possible.

Abscessed Tooth

A dental abscess is a painful and potentially life-threatening situation that occurs when a pocket of pus causes an infection in the tooth. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:

• Fever
• Persistent toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Facial swelling
• A pimple-like bump near the infected tooth

An abscessed tooth is an emergency. Contact an oral surgeon in Lutz, FL for emergency dentistry services.

Knocked-Out Tooth

It can be quite a shock to have a tooth knocked out suddenly. If this happens, it's important to take action right away. 

It is sometimes possible to reinsert and preserve a tooth. This requires quick action and an oral surgery procedure.

Before seeing the dentist, remember to:

• Pick the tooth up by the top without touching the root
• Rinse it off without scrubbing
• Reinsert the tooth if possible
• If you can't reinsert the tooth, place it in milk
• See an emergency dentist right away 

Broken Crown

A broken or missing crown can leave your teeth vulnerable to damage and infection. This isn't a dental issue you should put off. Schedule an emergency dental visit to have your crown replaced. Taking care of a missing or broken crown right away can help you avoid a root canal, extraction, or other oral surgery.

Missing Filling

You may think a missing filling isn't a big deal. However, without a filling, your tooth can break or chip easily.

This issue can also lead to exposed nerves, which need immediate treatment. If you're missing a filling, contact a dentist right away.

Emergency Oral Surgery

If you're having an oral health emergency, it's important to seek emergency dental care right away. No one wants to get an emergency oral surgery procedure, but sometimes it's a necessity for your health and well-being. Expert emergency dental care offers many benefits.

Save Your Teeth

Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary. However, this is a last resort in dental care. Missing teeth can lead to gaps, bone loss, a sagging jaw, and other issues. Getting dental care right away can often eliminate the need for extractions.

Eliminate Discomfort

Waking up with a severe toothache is no laughing matter. It's miserable and can quickly alter your plans and ruin your day. Prompt dental care can help you solve your dental issues and eliminate discomfort.

Avoid More Dental Problems

Untreated dental problems only make matters worse. A toothache, abscess, or infection will only get worse without proper dental care. Seeing an emergency dentist can help you take care of any dental issues you have and keep those problems from getting worse.

Treatments for Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies vary. The type of treatment you need depends on the situation. Some examples of emergency oral surgery include:

• Root canals
• Extractions
• Dental fillings
• Antibiotic treatment
• Irrigation
• Splinting
• Reimplantation

Find the Best Oral Surgeon in Lutz, FL

Suffering from a toothache, swelling, or bleeding isn't something you should just put up with. When these dental issues arise, you need an oral surgeon in Lutz, FL who will offer the best possible care.

If you're experiencing any dental issues, don't wait. Get the care you need right away to feel better.

At TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery, our goal is to offer our patients the very best care, attention, and professionalism. We love our patients and treat them like family. We would love to meet you and discuss your dental needs. Contact TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery today to schedule an appointment.