When you injure a tooth, it’s best to get professional dental treatment right away. Many dental emergencies require immediate treatment for the best chance of saving the tooth, and seeing your dentist is usually the fastest way to relieve your pain.
But how do you know when you have a true dental emergency on your hands? Is your toothache something mild you should “just live with,” or a reason to call your dentist in White Bear Lake immediately? It’s helpful to know the signs before they happen so you can avoid an unnecessary trip to your dental office in the middle of the night!
Reacting to a Potential Dental Emergency in White Bear Lake
Unfortunately, we see a lot of dental emergencies in White Bear Lake. When our patients call us in pain or after sustaining an injury to their smile, we do everything we can to diagnose their injury over the phone and help them determine if they need to come in for a visit.
Typically, dental emergencies will cause extreme pain, discomfort, swelling, or bleeding. You usually know you have a dental emergency because it’s become too difficult to sleep, eat, speak, or focus on your daily tasks.
You probably have a dental emergency if you’ve been hit in the mouth, have severe pain in your teeth or gums, are losing a lot of blood from a laceration or other injury, or have one or more loose teeth. When in doubt, always reach out to your White Bear Lake dentist!
Recognizing Dental Emergencies in White Bear Lake, MN
Common emergencies in White Bear Lake you might experience include:
- A knocked-out tooth
- A broken tooth
- A significantly cracked, chipped, or split tooth
- A throbbing toothache
- Red, swollen, and tender gums around a dental abscess or pus
- A broken jaw
- Severe oral bleeding
- Post-operative complications, such as those occurring after wisdom tooth removal
Situations that are typically not dental emergencies that can wait until business hours include:
- Small, asymptomatic cavities
- Broken or loose dental restorations that are not causing pain
- Mildly irritating orthodontic wires or brackets
- Small chips or cracks in teeth
- Minor toothaches or tooth sensitivity
Call White Bear Smiles Today If You Have A Dental Emergency
This list does not cover every potential dental emergency you could experience. If you injure your smile in any way, don’t hesitate to call us at (651) 426-8998. We’ll provide instructions on what to do until you come in to see us and help you get your smile back on track.