The majority of dental problems are relatively insignificant. You can postpone talking to your dentist about the problem until your twice-yearly dental checkup. But occasionally, more significant problems demand immediate attention. Whether you have a dental injury or a cavity that remained undiagnosed for a long time, a quick visit to your emergency dentist can actually prevent more damage. Are you interested in the warning signs and symptoms of a dental emergency? 

Read on to discover the top 5 reasons for visiting an emergency dental specialist

1. Cracked or chipped teeth 
The most common causes of children's emergency dental problems were investigated in a recent study. While cavities accounted for the majority of instances, 8 to 9% of patients received treatment for dental problems related to trauma.

There are numerous causes of dental trauma. Nevertheless, chipping or cracking a tooth is incredibly painful and can result in further issues whether it happens in a car accident or during a sports competition. For instance:
- Untreated cracks might result in a split tooth
- The tooth root may be damaged by chips and cracks, which could result in infection, decay, and color changes
- A tooth with chips may fracture or chip more easily in the future

So what should you do if your tooth cracks or chips? Consult an emergency dentist as soon as you can. Your dental specialist will take care of the existing defect and look for any hidden damage.

2. Knocked out teeth 
It's totally typical for kids to have loose teeth that aren't caused by an injury. However, as an adult, your teeth should never loosen or change their position. You must visit an emergency dentist right away if you have a loose or wobbly tooth.

There are a few possible causes for your loose teeth. This problem can stem from a mouth or tooth injury. An infection can also result in a loose tooth, particularly if a persistent toothache is also present.

If you've knocked out a tooth in a vehicle accident or have sustained another head or mouth injury, see an experienced dentist as soon as you can. For dental pain that's unrelated to trauma, you should also visit your dentist. This will help your doctor look into the actual reason for your toothache and address it effectively.

3. Extreme toothache 
Experts say that abscesses and toothaches account for 66% of dental emergency cases. You can use OTC pain relievers to address minor toothaches. However, persistent tooth pain requires an urgent call to the dentist. Intense, chronic toothaches that recur often are typically indications of more serious problems, such as:
- Tooth decay 
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Periodontitis 

To help you relieve the symptoms, an emergency dentist will suggest either over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. They will diagnose the root of your toothaches using x-rays and other imaging tests. The course of treatment will be determined by the definitive diagnosis made by your dental specialist.

4. Bleeding and aching gums 
Some bleeding is to be expected after skipping flossing for a couple of weeks. Although it might be one of the early indications of gingivitis, it is not a dental emergency. Yet, it's time for emergency dental care if your gums bleed heavily and frequently, putting your teeth at risk of infection.  

Gums that bleed and hurt typically signal that your gum disease is progressing. You must take quick action if you wish to maintain your natural teeth. After all, the only way to prevent gum disease from worsening and you from having to get dental implants is to detect and treat it in its earliest stages.

Based on the severity of your gum disease, your dental specialist may advise either more frequent and thorough cleanings or surgery. Advanced gum disease is treated surgically using methods including bone or tissue grafts, flap surgery, tissue regeneration, and bone surgery.