Common Dental Problems and When to Visit Your Emergency Dentist in Maple Ridge

Dental issues can happen when you least expect them, and unfortunately, not all of them can wait for a regular appointment. Whether it’s a painful toothache, a chipped tooth, or a knocked-out filling, knowing when to seek emergency dental care in Maple Ridge can save you from unnecessary pain and prevent further complications. At White House Dental, we want to help you feel confident in spotting dental emergencies and knowing exactly how we can help.

Here’s a list of some common dental emergencies, advice on when to visit an emergency dentist, and how we can bring relief to your dental woes.

Toothaches That Won’t Quit

We’ve all experienced a little tooth sensitivity or discomfort from time to time, but when the pain becomes sharp, severe, or constant, a simple toothache could point to bigger problems. Toothaches can indicate:

• Cavities or tooth decay
• Gum infections
• Abscessed teeth (a pocket of infection in your tooth or gums)

A severe toothache is one of the most common reasons people seek emergency dental care. If over-the-counter pain relievers are no help, or if the pain is keeping you up at night, it’s time to see your dentist as soon as possible. Leaving a toothache untreated could lead to more serious conditions like spreading infections or permanent damage to surrounding teeth.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth

Accidents happen—maybe you bit into something too hard, or perhaps a sports injury resulted in a fractured tooth. Regardless of how it happens, you should never ignore a chipped or cracked tooth, even if it doesn’t hurt at first. Damage to your enamel can expose the sensitive tissues inside your tooth, making it more susceptible to pain and infections down the road.

If the break is small and doesn’t hurt, you may not necessarily need immediate care, but it’s wise to schedule a visit soon to prevent worsening. On the other hand, if the tooth is painful, bleeding, or broken down to the root, you need emergency dental care to alleviate the pain and save the remaining tooth structure.

Lost or Loose Dental Fillings

Fillings are tough, but they don’t last forever. Whether due to wear and tear or biting into something sticky, a filling can loosen or fall out. When this happens, it exposes the vulnerable part of your tooth, putting it at risk for decay or infection.

If you’ve lost a filling, it’s crucial to have that spot repaired quickly. Fillings keep your teeth sealed and prevent bacteria from making their way into the deep layers of the tooth. Don’t wait—call us for emergency dental care in Maple Ridge so we can fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Knocked-Out Teeth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies and should be addressed immediately. Whether it happened during a hockey game or from an unexpected fall, time is of the essence for saving the tooth. Here are some quick steps you can take before heading to the dentist:

1. Handle the tooth by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root.
2. Rinse it gently with water to clean off debris, but don’t scrub or use soap.
3. Try to place the tooth back into its original socket if possible.
4. If it won’t fit back in, keep it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist until you reach us.

Chances of saving the tooth are highest within the first hour, so don’t delay in calling for care. Our team at White House Dental in Maple Ridge is here to help in these stressful situations.

Swollen or Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums after flossing or brushing might not seem like a big deal, but if the bleeding or swelling persists, it might be a sign of underlying gum disease or injury. Advanced gum issues, like infections, require urgent dental care to prevent them from spreading or leading to tooth loss.

If you notice increasing swelling, pus, or an odd taste in your mouth, don’t wait. It’s better to get a professional evaluation sooner rather than later to catch the problem early.

Dental Abscesses

Perhaps one of the most serious dental emergencies is a dental abscess. This occurs when a bacterial infection leads to a pus-filled pocket, often near the root of a tooth. Symptoms of a dental abscess can include:

• Throbbing pain that radiates to your jaw, ear, or neck
• Fever
• Facial or gum swelling
• A bad taste in your mouth (caused by the leaking pus)

An abscess is not something to ignore! The infection can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. If you suspect an abscess, seek emergency dental care right away. At White House Dental, we can drain the infection and recommend further treatment to fully restore your oral health.

Broken Dentures or Crowns

If you rely on dentures or have dental crowns, damage or breakage to these restorations can disrupt your day-to-day life. Although this might not always feel “urgent,” broken dental appliances can significantly impact your ability to eat, speak, or smile confidently.

It’s best to contact your dentist as soon as possible to get them repaired or replaced. A quick fix can help you get back to enjoying life without discomfort or embarrassment.

Persistent Jaw Pain

Jaw pain that won’t go away can stem from a variety of causes, from stress-related teeth grinding (bruxism) to issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). While minor jaw pain can often be managed with home remedies, persistent or worsening discomfort should always be checked out by a dental professional. If the pain is paired with difficulty opening your mouth or swelling around your jaw, don’t hesitate to reach out for emergency dental care.

When to See an Emergency Dentist

It can be hard to know whether to treat a dental problem as a true emergency or to wait for a regular appointment. A good rule of thumb is this: if the issue involves severe pain, bleeding, or the risk of losing a tooth, it’s an emergency. Addressing dental problems quickly ensures that you avoid long-term damage, save your natural teeth whenever possible, and alleviate unnecessary discomfort.

If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us. At White House Dental, our friendly staff is always happy to help you decide whether you need immediate care or if it can wait a few days.

Visit White House Dental for Emergency Dental Care in Maple Ridge

At White House Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can be frightening and overwhelming. That’s why our Maple Ridge clinic is committed to providing compassionate, timely, and skilled dental care when you need it most. From severe tooth pain to a fractured tooth, we’re here to make sure your smile is in safe hands.

Don’t ignore the signs of a dental emergency. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or damage to your teeth or gums, call us today to schedule an emergency appointment. Call White House Dental now, and our team will be ready to get you back to smiling pain-free!