Dental emergencies occur at a moment’s notice, leaving patients in severe pain and discomfort. Often, if these conditions are not treated promptly, they can worsen and affect the surrounding structures in the mouth as well as other parts of the body. This article discusses when it is important to consider a dental emergency as a differential diagnosis, how to evaluate these conditions and outlines the best treatment options.

The earliest indications of some dental issues that, if left untreated, can become dental emergencies include pain, pressure and/or swelling in the mouth. If these symptoms persist, they can aggravate existing conditions and cause other dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, infections or even a cracked or missing tooth.

A medical emergency is defined as a condition posing an immediate threat to life, limb, or long-term health. While some may believe dental emergencies fall into this category, many of these incidents do not present a direct threat to the patient’s life and can be handled in a non-emergency setting with regular dentistry follow up. Some of these cases also do not require a hospital consultation.

Generally, most dental emergencies can be treated in the office if the appropriate treatment is provided in a timely manner. The exceptions to this include some dental fractures, avulsions and displaced teeth (which can be managed in the office with replantation and/or splinting) or complicated periodontal abscesses that can be referred for oral and maxillofacial surgery or endodontic consultation for expedited definitive care.

Some injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth can also be considered dental emergencies if they are accompanied by severe pain, swelling or bleeding. These injuries can occur due to accidents and trauma, or they can be the result of a chronic problem, such as an overbite or bruxism. If not treated, these issues can lead to a multitude of complications including infection, vascular compromise, sepsis and/or airway obstruction. These conditions can also negatively impact the ability to eat, thus impacting nutrition and leading to serious health consequences. If you have any questions about how to preserve your oral health, don’t hesitate to call Smart Dental Cosmetic and General Dentistry. We are always here to help. We offer comprehensive general, family, and emergency dental services.