Dealing with unexpected dental issues can be frightening. Knowing the difference between a minor problem and a true emergency is crucial for protecting your oral health. Here at Oahu Dental Care, our dedicated team believes that exceptional dental care means being ready when you need us most. We want to empower our patients with the knowledge to recognize the signs that warrant calling an emergency dentist immediately. Quick action often minimizes damage and saves your smile.
What counts as an emergency dental?
Severe and Unstoppable Toothache
An intense, throbbing toothache that persists and is unbearable often signals a serious underlying issue, such as an infection or nerve damage. Unlike minor sensitivity, this pain demands immediate attention from our team. We consider severe, non-stop pain a definitive emergency because ignoring it can lead to health complications beyond your mouth. We encourage you to reach out to us right away if this describes your discomfort.
Chipped, Broken, or Knocked-Out Tooth Trauma
Traumatic injury—like a fractured tooth or, more critically, a completely knocked-out tooth—is always an emergency. If a tooth is knocked out, try to gently rinse it and place it in milk, and call us right away. The sooner you get to Oahu Dental Care, the higher the chance we have of saving your natural tooth and restoring your smile. Time is truly a critical factor in these situations.
Lost Dental Fillings or Crowns
While less painful initially, losing a filling or crown exposes the vulnerable inner layers of your tooth to bacteria and decay. This is why we treat these issues with urgency. If you cannot reach us immediately, you can temporarily protect the area with dental wax, but contact our office right away so we can schedule restorative care. Our goal is always to prevent more extensive, costly treatment later.
Abscesses and Swelling Indicating Infection
A pimple-like bump on your gums, or facial swelling, can indicate a dangerous dental abscess—a severe infection. This infection can spread quickly and affect your overall health, making it life-threatening in rare cases. Our experienced team emphasizes that infection-related swelling always requires urgent professional dental treatment near you. Don't risk systemic illness by postponing care for these critical symptoms.
Ultimately, if you are unsure, always err on the side of caution and call us. Recognizing the signs of a true dental crisis is the first step toward swift recovery. At Oahu Dental Care, we provide the urgent, compassionate care you need when emergencies strike. Learn how our dedicated emergency dentist services can help you restore your smile and peace of mind by contacting us or visiting our emergency services page today.