While many people have the number of the emergency dentist written down in their phone book or saved in their cell phone, not many people know if and when they should call this number. No one wants to feel as if they are making a big deal over a minor dental issue or that they are wasting the time of an emergency dentist. However, there are some instances when it is important you receive treatment from an emergency dentist. Below is a guide to 3 times you should pick up the phone and call an emergency dentist.

Extreme Dental Pain

As well being extremely uncomfortable, severe dental pain can be a sign of serious problems with your dental health. When the enamel of a tooth is complete worn down, it can expose the nerves located within the soft tooth pulp. When this soft pulp comes into contact with the air, it causes intense pain which radiates from your teeth into your jaw. 

Acute gum disease can also cause dental pain. Gum disease can cause your gums to recede, exposing the root of the tooth. As the root decays, it results in pain.

Loose Crowns

Dental crowns can often come loose during eating. Crowns will often become loose because the tooth beneath has become decayed. This decay causes the shape of the tooth to change, meaning that the dental crown no longer properly fits. A loose crown can make your teeth extremely sensitive to hot or cold food and drink. If one of your crowns becomes loose, you should book an appointment with an emergency dentist. If the crown falls out completely, you should keep it clean so that the dentist can attempt to reattach it.

Broken of Cracked Teeth

Your teeth are very strong, but that doesn't mean that they cannot suffer breaks and cracks. A cracked tooth can be completely painless. While this means that you may not need to visit an emergency dentist immediately, you will still need to have the painless crack treated, as it could become weakened or infected. If the crack reaches down to the root of the tooth, it can cause extreme pain. 

If one of your teeth becomes broken, it can leave the nerves within the tooth exposed, leading to severe discomfort. A broken tooth can also damage your tongue and cheeks, as the sharp edge of the tooth come into contact with the soft tissue. If you have broken a tooth, you should visit an emergency dentist.