So visit your dentist or seek emergency dental care if you’re dealing with symptoms such as:
A broken or knocked-out tooth. A broken tooth or a tooth that’s been dislodged is the most obvious reason to get emergency dental care. The resulting pain can limit your ability to function, and the injury can result in a lot of bleeding. If you don’t address the situation immediately, it may lead to permanent tooth loss.
Unexplained tooth pain. Any pain that doesn’t have a clear causality needs a professional diagnosis. Maybe you bit down hard enough on something to crack your tooth. Or perhaps it’s a sign of a more serious condition, like an infection. You can’t know what it is until you go to a dentist for a thorough examination.
Missing filling or crown. If a crown falls out, you usually feel it right away. Fillings fall out more frequently than you imagine. If you’re experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth, that’s an indicator that your filling is loose or nearly gone. Ignoring the pain can lead to urgent dental care in the form of a root canal.
Swelling in your mouth or jaw. You may notice swelling for several reasons, ranging from inflamed lymph nodes to cancer. Visit your dentist immediately if your mouth, gums or jaw start to swell.
Bleeding gums. Occasionally, you may notice some minor bleeding when flossing. It’s usually caused by early gum disease or the build-up of plaque. That’s not serious, as long as you mention it to your dentist at your next scheduled appointment. But if the bleeding doesn’t stop and you also have pain or swelling, see your Queens-area dentist immediately.