We all know we should visit our dentist every six months for routine cleanings and exams. This type of preventive care helps you avoid advanced dental concerns that could require more complex treatments down the road. But what happens between those regular appointments?
Sometimes, symptoms develop that need attention right away. Ignoring them can turn a small problem into a dental emergency. Other times, an accident or sudden injury leaves you wondering where to turn.
At Claremont Dental Institute, your trusted emergency dentist in Claremont, CA, we want you to know when a call to our office is the right move. Read on to discover five scenarios where you should pick up the phone and schedule an immediate evaluation.
1. Gum Concerns: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Periodontal disease (gum disease) doesn’t always have obvious symptoms, which is why routine dental exams are so important. However, if you notice any of the following, it’s time to call your dentist:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent redness
- Gums pulling away from your teeth (receding gums)
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Sores in your mouth that don’t heal
These could be early or advanced signs of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious, irreversible problems like bone and tooth loss. But it’s much easier to manage and eliminate when caught early.
2. Tooth Sensitivity: More Than Just a Nuisance
Do you feel a sharp jolt of pain when you bite into something cold? What about when you drink something hot or eat sugary foods?
That’s tooth sensitivity. It happens when your enamel wears down, exposing the softer dentin underneath. When the nerves in the dentin are stimulated, they send pain signals to your brain.
Even if the pain is tolerable, tooth sensitivity could be a symptom of a larger issue, such as a cavity, a cracked tooth, a worn filling, or even an abscess. Also, once enamel is gone, it cannot grow back. You may need professional treatment to protect your tooth and alleviate the pain.
3. Bad Breath: When It’s More Than What You Ate
We all have bad breath now and then, especially after eating garlic or onions. But when bad breath becomes chronic (a condition called halitosis), it may point to something more serious.
What causes halitosis? It usually happens when food particles linger in your mouth and interact with bacteria. But persistent bad breath can also signal:
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Advanced gum disease
- Dry mouth (often caused by medications)
- Oral infection
- An underlying medical condition
Chronic bad breath won’t go away with mints or mouthwash alone. You need to address the root cause. Plus, it can affect your confidence and social interactions.
4. Tooth Pain or Throbbing: A Clear Sign Something Is Wrong
Tooth pain is your body’s way of saying, “Something isn’t right.” It can range from a dull ache to a sharp, throbbing pain that disrupts your sleep or daily life.
Common causes of tooth pain include:
- Deep decay or cavity reaching the nerve
- Cracked or fractured tooth
- Abscess or infection
- Damaged filling
- Gum infection
- Impacted wisdom tooth
Tooth pain rarely goes away on its own. In fact, it usually gets worse. An infection can spread to surrounding teeth, your jawbone, or even other parts of your body. In some cases, a tooth infection can become a medical emergency.
5. Knocked-Out, Broken, or Loose Tooth: Time Is Critical
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a fall, a sports injury, or biting into something unexpectedly hard, dental trauma needs immediate attention.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is knocked completely out, time is of the essence. Follow these steps:
- Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), never touch the root.
- Rinse gently with water if it’s dirty. Don’t scrub or remove tissue fragments.
- Try to reinsert it into the socket. Hold it in place with gentle pressure or by biting down softly.
- If you can’t reinsert it, keep the tooth moist. Place it in a cup of milk, or hold it inside your cheek (between teeth and gum). Don’t store it in plain water.
- See a dentist immediately. Ideally, within the hour. The sooner you get help, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth
Even if the tooth isn’t completely knocked out, damage needs attention. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze. Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
Loose Tooth
If an adult tooth feels loose after an injury, it’s a dental emergency. The ligament supporting the tooth may be damaged and needs professional evaluation.
Other Situations That Warrant a Call
While the five signs above are the most common reasons to seek emergency care, you should also call if you experience:
- Swelling in your face or jaw – This could signal a serious infection.
- Bleeding that won’t stop – Especially after an injury or procedure.
- Broken or lost fillings, crowns, or bridges – These leave your teeth vulnerable to further damage.
- Jaw pain or clicking – Could indicate TMJ disorder or teeth grinding.
- Metallic taste or loose dental work – May signal an issue with existing restorations.
When in Doubt, Call
You know your smile better than anyone. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Get help as soon as you notice pain, sensitivity, bleeding, swelling, or persistent bad breath.
At Claremont Dental Institute, we offer both preventive and emergency dentistry services to patients in Claremont and surrounding communities, including San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland.
Our team of multi-specialty dentists, including Dr. Fountain, Dr. Durski, Dr. Pavlisin, Dr. Karia, and Dr. Patel, has the expertise to handle virtually any dental emergency, from tooth pain to complex trauma.
We’re here when you need us. Call us at (909) 277-6919 or request an appointment online.
Same-day appointments available. We’ll get you out of pain and on the road to recovery.