Uncontrolled Bleeding or Swelling
Bleeding that won’t stop after a dental injury has occurred is a clear red flag. Whether caused by trauma, gum disease, or a complication after extraction, prolonged bleeding requires quick attention. The same goes for swelling that gets worse fast, especially if it’s accompanied by pain or fever.
These symptoms may indicate a dental abscess, a serious infection that can spread to other parts of the body. If you notice a painful bump on your gums, a bad taste in your mouth, or facial swelling, don’t wait. Seeing an emergency dentist inside our Portage, MI, dental office is critical if you want to reduce the likelihood of a worse outcome.
Severe Toothache That Doesn’t Go Away
A severe toothache that keeps you up at night or makes it hard to eat, talk, or concentrate isn’t something to ignore. Persistent pain can signal deep decay, infection, or a cracked tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers may take the edge off, but they won’t fix the root problem.
Treating tooth pain often requires professional evaluation. In many cases, the solution might be an emergency root canal treatment, a dental filling, or a same-day crown to seal and protect the damaged tooth. Acting fast increases the chances of saving the tooth and avoiding more invasive restorative dental procedures later.
Knocking Out or Breaking a Tooth
Knocking out a tooth is one of the clearest reasons to seek out emergency dental services. If you get to our team quickly, ideally within 30 minutes, losing a tooth doesn’t have to be permanent. Place the tooth in milk or a tooth preservation product and head to our office right away.
Similarly, fixing a broken tooth promptly is key. Whether it’s a chip or a full break, damaged teeth expose nerves and pulp, making them vulnerable to infection. Emergency dental treatment can range from placing a filling to a dental crown or even extraction followed by tooth replacement options like dental implants or bridges.
Dental Abscess or Facial Swelling
A dental abscess is a pus-filled infection deep in the tooth or gums. It can cause swelling in the face, severe pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, and even difficulty breathing or swallowing. These infections don’t resolve on their own and they can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Our local emergency dentists are equipped to drain the abscess, remove infected tissue, and prescribe antibiotics if needed. Depending on the extent of the infection, treatment might involve a root canal, tooth extraction, or a series of procedures to prevent further complications.
Loose or Damaged Dental Work
If a crown falls off, a filling cracks, or a bridge becomes loose, it’s more than an inconvenience, it’s a fast track to further dental trauma. Teeth underneath become exposed to bacteria, increasing the risk of decay and infection.
Many offices that offer emergency dental services, like ours, can place same-day crowns or repair failing restorations quickly. Getting this form of treatment done without delay protects your smile and saves you from more extensive fixes like full mouth reconstruction.
Bottom Line: Trust Your Instincts & Be Quick
When you’re in doubt, it’s better to get checked out. Dental pain, trauma, swelling, or broken restorations should never be ignored. Prompt attention from our dentists who offer emergency care can mean the difference between simple intervention and long-term damage. Our goal is to give you the best shot at saving your natural teeth and avoiding more complex procedures down the road.
See Us for Emergency Dental Care ASAP
Our emergency dentists in Portage serving Greater Kalamazoo, MI, are prepared to treat your smile if an injury or infection occurs. Give Sharp Smile Center a call today at (269) 344-4004 or for less urgent matters, contact us online to request an appointment.
