Painful Swelling? Find Out When to Call the Emergency Dentist

Dental pain can strike at any time, often when you least expect it. While some oral discomfort can wait for a regular appointment, certain symptoms demand immediate attention from an emergency dentist. One such alarming sign is painful swelling in your mouth or jaw. But how do you know when it’s time to seek urgent dental care near you? Let’s explore the situations that warrant a visit to an emergency dental clinic.

Understanding Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate treatment to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Painful swelling often falls into this category, as it can indicate a serious underlying condition that needs prompt attention.

Common Causes of Painful Swelling

• Abscessed Tooth

This is a severe infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and tooth. It can cause intense pain, swelling, fever, and a foul taste in your mouth.

• Severe Gum Infection

Advanced gum disease can lead to painful swelling, bleeding gums, and even loose teeth.

• Wisdom Tooth Complications

When wisdom teeth become impacted or infected, they can cause significant swelling and pain in the back of the mouth.

• Trauma

Injuries to the mouth can result in swelling, whether from a knocked-out tooth or damage to the soft tissues.

When to Call the Emergency Dentist

If you experience any of the following symptoms along with painful swelling, it’s time to contact an emergency dental clinic:

• Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Swelling that extends to your cheek, eye, or neck
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Fever accompanied by oral pain and swelling
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop with applied pressure
• Sudden, dramatic swelling in your mouth or jaw

Remember, these symptoms could indicate a severe infection that may spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. In such cases, seeking urgent dental care near you is crucial.

What to Expect at the Emergency Dental Clinic?

When you visit an emergency dentist, they will:

1. Assess your condition through a thorough examination
2. Take X-rays if necessary to identify the source of the problem
3. Provide immediate pain relief
4. Treat the underlying cause, which may involve draining an abscess, performing a root canal, or extracting a tooth
5. Prescribe antibiotics if there’s an infection

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all emergencies are preventable, you can reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene
• Having regular dental check-ups
• Wearing a mouthguard during sports
• Avoiding using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles

Conclusion

When it comes to painful swelling in your mouth or jaw, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Springvale Dental Clinic offers top-notch emergency dental services to address your urgent oral health needs. Our experienced team of emergency dentists is equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, providing quick relief and effective treatment. Don’t let dental pain control your life – Book an appointment with Springvale Dental Clinic for prompt, professional care when you need it most. Your oral health is our priority, and we’re here to ensure you receive the urgent dental care you deserve.