Patients often visit Fort Union Family Dental when they experience severe pain and other symptoms of an oral health problem, such as a toothache or a broken tooth. However, there are times when emergency dental care is necessary, even when a patient does not have a specific oral complaint. For example, if a jaw has been broken due to a fall or motor vehicle accident trauma, patients should call to schedule an emergency visit as soon as possible. Jaw fractures can be painful and even life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Types of Dental Emergency

• Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled with pressure
• Persistent or severe vomiting that prevents a patient from being able to eat or drink anything 
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• A foreign object lodged in the mouth or throat
• Extreme swelling around the tooth
• An injury to the bone surrounding the tooth
• Any injury to teeth that exposes the root
• Sudden onset of pain in the mouth, including sensitivity to temperature change and discomfort when biting down
• Extensive tooth decay that affects surrounding tissues
• Chronic oral infections, such as gum disease
• Jaw pain or tenderness that is accompanied by fever, headache, nausea, or facial swelling
• Injury to the mouth caused by an accident or sports injury.
• Signs of oral cancer, including sores that don't heal within two weeks, lumps or thickening of the tissue inside the mouth, discoloration on the inside of the cheeks, or difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Lost fillings or crowns that expose sensitive areas of the teeth
• Swelling or drainage from the gums around one or more teeth
• Toothache that has persisted for more than three or four days

Benefits of Emergency Dental Care 

Addressing Pain

Pain can be a sign of infection or abscess. It could also be a symptom of a broken tooth, damaged filling, or even a lost restoration. When you come in for emergency care, our team can diagnose the problem and administer the appropriate treatment to alleviate any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing. We can also relieve your pain with over-the-counter remedies.

Saving a Tooth 

 If you have a toothache or other significant dental problem, our dentist may have to perform an emergency procedure to salvage your tooth and keep it healthy. This could be anything from root canal therapy to tooth extraction. Doing this quickly can save the tooth and prevent the need for more extensive treatments.

Preserving Overall Health 

Neglecting your dental health can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Emergency dental services are often necessary for patients who want to preserve their oral and general health. Completing treatment as quickly as possible after a dental crisis can prevent further damage that could negatively affect your health.

Our dentist provides immediate relief from pain and infection, ensuring you do not have to suffer through the pain or wait long for comfort. For the best dental care, visit Fort Union Family Dental located at 8915 S 700 E Ste 103, Sandy, Utah 84070, or call (801) 562-2147.