An emergency dentist is a dentist who has odd work hours, such as weekends or late nights, or a dental professional who has openings that can be taken immediately based on how serious a person's dental needs are. If you have a dental emergency, you need to see a dentist as soon as you can, not take care of your issue at home. Here are reasons to see an emergency dentist.

You lost or cracked a tooth

If you have lost or cracked a tooth or have a family member who did, you need to get to a dentist as soon as you can. The root of a tooth is extremely sensitive, and once exposed to the air, can actually die and be unable to be saved. Furthermore, the gaping hole left in the mouth following a damaged tooth can lead to infection of the gums.

If the tooth can be found or parts of the tooth are still in the mouth, a dental emergency is still at hand. Call your dentist right away and seek dental treatment.

You have severe dental pain

Severe dental pain can be a result of a damaged tooth nerve or dry socket. Dry socket is a condition that occurs following getting a tooth removed: if the blood clot that protects the nerves where the tooth was taken comes out, then the exposed area can become very painful and susceptible to injury or bacteria. If the pain is worsening out of nowhere, you may have a decayed and dying tooth that needs emergency dental care.

If you have severe dental pain that is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, passing out, or other serious conditions, visit your local emergency room. You'll be referred to an emergency dentist once you are cleared that no other issues are causing your mouth pain.

You have dental work damaged

If you lose a bracket to your braces, a cap falls off your tooth, a bridge comes loose, or other dental damage happens, your dentist will want to see you as soon as possible to inspect and repair the area. Save any part of your dental work that has come out of your mouth and take the first appointment your dentist can give you, even if your mouth is not in pain. The longer you wait to repair damaged dental work, the more dental work you may end up needing; you can also cause damage to your mouth that will need further fixing.

For more information, reach out to an emergency dentist near you.

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