Most people are very aware of the importance of treating a dental problem as soon as possible. They assume that if they can manage their pain with over-the-counter medicine, then they can postpone seeing their dentist. Sometimes that's true. Some oral health issues don't need to be addressed right away and can wait until your next appointment. But, other times, it's vital that you see your dentist immediately to prevent oral health complications. 

Now, the question you may be asking yourself is: how do I know if I am experiencing a dental emergency? 

This article should help make things a bit clearer for you. 

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Generally speaking, a dental emergency is any oral health problem that involves extreme pain, uncontrollable bleeding, broken teeth, or facial trauma. In most cases, a dental emergency must be treated right away as it can pose a threat to your life and well-being.

Here are some examples of common dental emergencies:

Severe Pain

Extreme pain that doesn't go away with OTC medication might be a sign of a cavity that reached the inner layers of your tooth. If left untreated, you will not only be in discomfort but there's a high chance that the decay might spread to the neighboring teeth too, causing even more trouble. 

Bleeding 

If you were in an accident, experienced facial trauma, and now you notice that there's blood coming out of your mouth, then you require urgent dental care. If this happens to you, stay calm, try to control the bleeding, and contact one of the doctors at Poulos, Somers & Marshall for a same-day appointment. 

Infection

If you also notice swelling and pus coming out of your tooth, then you may be dealing with an infection. Infections are considered a dental emergency as they can spread to other organs in your body and lead to life-threatening conditions. 

Loose or Broken Tooth

A broken or knocked-out tooth is an obvious dental emergency, but when it comes to loose teeth, things aren't that clear. If your tooth is loose, but you're not experiencing any other symptoms, then most probably you can wait until your next appointment. But, if you feel pain when touching your tooth or if you notice that the tooth has changed color, then it would be best to call your dentist for an urgent appointment. 

Not Sure If You Need Emergency Dentistry in Denver? Call Us Right Now

Are you experiencing an oral health problem but aren't sure if you need urgent dental care or can wait until another time? 

Call the team at Poulos, Somers & Marshall, tell us about your problem, and we can advise you. We understand how scary dental emergencies can be, so we will make sure to schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible. 

If you want to talk to one of our doctors, contact us today.