You’re brushing your teeth and suddenly see blood. Or maybe you wake up with excruciating pain in your jaw that won’t go away even after a few hours. These may appear like minor inconveniences at first, but they could also be signs of a serious dental emergency. Ignoring a dental issue could cost you more than just your smile.
According to a Professional Emergency Dentist in Lynnwood, we should take early action, especially in case of emergencies. Noticing the signs of a dental emergency can save your tooth, and more importantly, your health.
Here are the 11 signs you may need emergency dental care, along with the suitable next steps.
1. Severe Tooth Pain That Won’t Go Away
Sudden and intense tooth pain that is throbbing or persistent can be a sign of an underlying dental issue, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Pain is how you know that something is wrong. Regardless of what it is, ignoring the pain might lead to serious repercussions.
What to do:
If the pain doesn’t go away even after hours, call Lynnwood Dental Studio to schedule an emergency appointment. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers for temporary relief, but we strongly recommend professional consultation to understand the root cause.
2. Swollen Gums or Face
Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face can be a sign of a dental abscess or infection. If ignored, the infection could spread to other parts, including the bloodstream, leading to a life-threatening situation.
- Signs of an abscessed tooth or infection:
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Pus discharge
- Swelling in the cheeks or neck
- Fever
Seek urgent medical attention to prevent the bacteria from entering the bloodstream.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
A knocked-out tooth in an adult is a dental emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. Replacing the tooth in its socket and seeking a dentist within 20 minutes is the best chance of saving it.
What to do immediately after a tooth is knocked out:
- Replace the tooth in its socket, holding by the crown (not the root)
- If the tooth doesn’t stick, store it in milk, saliva, or saline solution
- Seek an emergency dentist appointment right away
Time is critical! Contact Lynnwood Dental Studio to schedule a fast, effective emergency tooth reimplantation in Lynnwood.
4. Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth can not only cause sharp pain but also lead to infection if not treated promptly and thoroughly.
Warning signs:
- Sharp or throbbing pain when biting
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pain in the nerves
Why urgent care is important: Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can be severely painful and cause the infection to spread to nerves, leading to complete tooth loss.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
Have you recently undergone a tooth treatment? Then, it is important to take good care of your treated tooth, including the filling or crown. Losing a filling or crown can leave your treated tooth vulnerable to damage or pain.
What to do:
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Use a temporary filling material like dental wax
- See a dentist as soon as possible
Immediate dental treatment and refilling can prevent serious damage and restore your tooth before it’s too late.
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6. Bleeding That Won’t Stop
Notice blood while brushing? Minor gum bleeding during brushing or flossing is normal, but continuous or heavy bleeding may need medical attention.
Possible causes:
- Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
- Tooth or nerve injury
- Post-extraction bleeding
- Coagulation (blood clotting) disorder
What to do:
If you’re bleeding constantly for more than 10 minutes or bleeding heavily post-tooth extraction, seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.
7. Jaw Pain or Swelling
Throbbing jaw pain, clicking, or swelling may be signs of serious issues such as TMJ disorder, infection, or even a dislocated jaw.
Signs to look out for:
- Pain when opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Swelling around the jawline
- Earaches or headaches
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or minimize long-term complications.
8. Pus or Abscess in the Mouth
A dental abscess is an accumulation of pus, usually caused by bacterial infection. The most common sign is a swollen bump on the gums, which is extremely painful.
Other symptoms may include:
- Extreme, throbbing toothache
- Bad breath or taste
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
Never ignore mouth infections, as they can spread rapidly and cause serious damage. Don’t wait, see a doctor immediately.
9. Exposed Nerves
An exposed dental nerve might be a result of trauma or a treatment gone wrong. It can cause severe pain and requires emergency treatment.
Symptoms:
- Intense sensitivity to hot and cold
- Sharp throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to sweets or touch
What to do: Seek emergency treatment. Your dentist may recommend a root canal or use a protective crown to shield the affected nerve.
10. Soft Tissue Injury (Tongue, Cheek, or Lips)
Cuts on any of the soft tissue inside the mouth may lead to heavy bleeding and even an infection risk.
Seek medical attention if:
- Bleeding is excessive and doesn’t stop after a few minutes
- The injury is deep or caused by an accident
- Swelling increases rather than subsides
Stitches or antibiotics may be needed for injuries caused by trauma.
11. Loose or Misaligned Teeth
If you've been involved in an accident that caused a tooth to feel loose, shifted, or dislocated, this could indicate serious damage to the nerves or socket holding the tooth in place.
Contact Lynnwood Dental Studio immediately to stabilize the tooth and prevent long-term damage or misalignment.
Why Timely Action Matters in Dental Emergencies
Ignoring a dental issue can lead to serious problems, including infections, permanent tooth loss, long-term pain, bone damage, health complications, and expensive future treatments.
Don’t wait too long! Seek immediate dental care to prevent the infection from spreading.
What to Expect During a Dental Emergency Visit at Lynnwood Dental Studio
At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we specialize in emergency care and treatment. If you’re facing a dental emergency, call us today to make an instant appointment.
We provide same-day emergency appointments, digital X-rays for quick diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, emergency root canals, extractions, crowns, and more.
Our team comprises experienced, caring, and dedicated dentists committed to helping you feel better, fast.
Conclusion
Most dental emergencies come with warning signs. Knowing the symptoms and taking prompt action can ensure quick treatment and recovery.
At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we always advise our patients not to ignore an emergency. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a throbbing jaw, a knocked-out tooth, or excessive swelling, trust us to provide the urgent care you need.
Need Emergency Dental Care in Lynnwood? Call us now or book your emergency dental appointment via our website.