Dental issues are rarely convenient. One minute you’re enjoying a nice meal and the next you’re dealing with a chipped tooth or jaw pain that won’t go away.

When something feels off in your mouth, it’s not always easy to know if you should wait for a regular appointment or schedule immediate care.

So when should you schedule an emergency dental appointment in Reston, VA? Keep reading to learn more.

When You Should Schedule an Emergency Dental Appointment in Reston, VA

Not every dental issue requires immediate care. However, some concerns should be treated sooner rather than later.

Thankfully there are many dental clinics that have same-day and next-day availability so that you can get the care you need.

Here’s when you should schedule an emergency dental appointment in Reston, VA.

• Severe tooth pain that doesn’t subside: Tooth sensitivity happens, especially after eating something sweet or cold. But, if you have unrelenting tooth pain that radiates into your jaw or keeps you up at night, it’s a major red flag. Severe tooth pain is a sign of a serious issue, such as an infection or abscess.

• A loose or lost crown, bridge, or filling: This type of dental issue may not seem urgent, especially if you aren’t feeling any pain. But, losing a crown or filling exposes sensitive parts of your tooth to bacteria, food particles, and sugar. The longer your tooth is unprotected, the more serious the issue is likely to become.

• Broken or chipped tooth: Accidents happen, and sometimes they result in a broken or chipped tooth. While a break or chip isn’t always painful initially, it’s still possible that the inner layers of the tooth could be exposed to bacteria, which can cause an infection.

• Knocked-out tooth: If your tooth has been knocked out entirely, time is of the essence. You have 30 minutes to an hour to potentially save the tooth. If this happens, pick up the tooth by the crown, rinse it, and place it back in the socket. You can also put it in milk to preserve it. Then, find a dental clinic immediately.

• Uncontrollable bleeding: Brushing too hard and periodontitis can cause your gums to bleed temporarily. But if there’s heavy bleeding from your mouth, especially after an injury, don’t ignore it. Continuous bleeding could mean serious damage to the gums or soft tissue.

• Swelling in the gums or face: Gum or facial swelling is more than just discomfort. In some instances, it’s a sign of an infection. If swelling is accompanied by a fever, bad taste in your mouth, or issues swallowing, seek same-day dental care as soon as possible.

• Sudden sensitivity to cold or hot: Not every instance of sensitivity is an emergency. But, if you have sudden, intense sensitivity after eating something cold or drinking a hot beverage, it could be a sign that you have enamel erosion, a cracked tooth, or the early onset of nerve damage.

If you experience any of these issues, don’t wait. The sooner you get in the dentist’s chair, the better your prognosis will be and the less risks there are to your dental and overall health.

Dental Emergency? Our Team Is Here to Help

A good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to taking care of your dental and oral health is if you’re uncomfortable, in pain, or if something just doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to seek treatment from a dentist.

Your teeth are too important to ignore! If you’re facing a dental emergency, come to Perfect Smiles of Reston for the treatment you need.

Call our office at 703-982-7295 today to schedule a same-day appointment.