Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care in Flagstaff

Dental emergencies can strike at any moment, often leaving you in pain and in need of immediate attention. Recognizing the signs that require urgent dental care is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure your oral health is maintained.

If you're in Flagstaff and find yourself experiencing severe dental issues, knowing when to seek emergency dental care can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key indicators that you need to visit Cedar Avenue Family Dentistry without delay.

Severe Toothache

A toothache can be more than just a minor inconvenience. It can be a sign of a serious underlying issue that requires immediate attention. If you're experiencing intense, persistent pain in your tooth, it could be indicative of:

• Severe tooth decay
• An infection or abscess
• A cracked or fractured tooth

Ignoring a severe toothache can lead to more serious complications, including the spread of infection. If over-the-counter pain relief isn't effective and the pain persists, it's time to seek emergency dental care.

Swelling and Bleeding

Swelling and bleeding in the mouth are common signs of dental emergencies that should not be overlooked. These symptoms can be caused by:

• Gum disease or gingivitis
• Trauma to the mouth or gums
• An abscess or infection

If you notice unexplained swelling or bleeding that doesn't subside, it's crucial to contact a dental professional immediately. Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to more severe health issues.

Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth

A broken or knocked-out tooth is one of the most obvious signs that you need emergency dental care. Quick action is necessary to save the tooth and prevent further damage. If you experience this, remember to:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Retrieve and preserve the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution

Contact your dentist as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving the tooth. For best results, it must be replaced within 30-60 minutes of your injury.

Sudden Sensitivity

While tooth sensitivity is common, sudden and severe sensitivity can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as:

• Enamel erosion
• A cracked tooth
• An exposed tooth root

If you notice a sudden increase in sensitivity that interferes with your daily activities, it’s important to seek professional dental advice to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Damaged Or Pulled-Out Dental Work

While you can sometimes wait a day or two before you get care if needed, damaged dental work is a serious dental emergency. If you notice any kind of damage to your fillings, crowns, or any other dental work in your mouth, you should get help right away to reduce the impact of complications like:

• Cuts to your mouth from sharp edges
• A higher risk of tooth decay and infection
• Pain, tenderness, and sensitivity 

Once you see an emergency dentist, you can get a new filling or crown and get relief from any pain or discomfort that you may be experiencing.

Immediate Dental Assistance in Flagstaff

If you're experiencing any of these signs, don't hesitate to reach out to Cedar Avenue Family Dentistry in Flagstaff. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Madison Kurz and Dr. Kevin Chittenden, is dedicated to providing prompt and effective emergency dental care. Call us today at (928) 774-3851 to schedule an appointment and ensure your dental health is in expert hands.