Posted: March 24, 2017
Dental emergencies happen every day, and it can be difficult to determine whether you need to go to an emergency dentist or the hospital. Tooth, jaw and mouth injuries or infections should be taken seriously and not ignored. A toothache could be warning you of an abscess, which can become deadly when left untreated.
When to Call Our Emergency Dentist
There are a variety of warning signs and injuries that indicate a dental emergency such as:
- Cracked or fractured tooth
- Knocked out tooth
- A severe or an ongoing toothache
- Wisdom tooth-related pain
- Lost filling
- Broken crown
Some of the issues listed above could be a sign of an infection. You may need root canal treatment to restore your oral health.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
You should seek immediate medical help at an emergency room or call 911 if you’re experiencing:
- Severe pain or swelling in the face or mouth.
- A jaw dislocation.
- Sudden head or neck injury.
- Excessive swelling or bleeding in the face or mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
You can ask yourself a few questions before making a trip to the ER or heading to see our emergency dentist including:
- Is the tooth severely broken or fractured?
- Can you see the root of the tooth?
- Has the pain suddenly subsided, making the area numb?
- Do you have a fever accompanied by swelling in your mouth?
- Do you have a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, call our dentistry office in Fort Worth. Mouth injuries and infections can quickly become a danger to your overall health as bacteria can run into your bloodstream and make you more susceptible to heart disease and stroke.
If you’re not sure if you have a dental emergency, call our dentist in downtown Fort Worth at (817) 870-5099. Museum Smiles serves patients in Fort Worth, Arlington and Keller, Texas.