Dental pain is often described as some of the most uncomfortable pain there is. If you're experiencing dental pain or problems, you might wonder about what could constitute a dental emergency versus something you should just call your regular dentist about. Here's a look at some of the most common problems that would constitute a dental emergency. 

Broken Teeth

If you have a tooth that breaks, you need to have it addressed right away. Save the pieces if possible and call your local emergency dentist for an appointment. He or she will examine the tooth to determine if it can be repaired or if it needs to be extracted.

Gum or Facial Swelling

If you notice swelling in your jaw and your face, that's a key indication that you have a dental problem. It's usually the result of an infected tooth, and most often, the infection is below the gums. You'll need an emergency dentist to examine the tooth, check for an abscess and drain it if needed, and then provide you with an antibiotic to treat the infection before treating the tooth itself to prevent the problem from recurring.

Tooth Pain

Any time you have significant pain in a tooth, whether it's ambient pain or only acute pain when you chew, you should call an emergency dentist right away. Your dentist will identify the source of your pain and address the underlying problem, but they will also provide you with pain management as well. This will ease your discomfort while they address the underlying cause of the problem.

Dental Trauma

If you've been struck in the mouth and lost a tooth or suffered any other type of significant dental trauma, it's essential that you call an emergency dentist right away. The sooner you treat serious dental trauma, the better your chances of an easy recovery. In fact, some forms of dental trauma can be repaired easily if you get to an emergency dentist in time. In either case, an emergency dentist can help you deal with the problem and either repair the tooth or give you other treatment options.

These are a few of the key issues that warrant a call to your emergency dentist. Understanding some of the most common emergency issues is important for your own well-being. Talk with an emergency dental professional near you today for more help and information. That way, you know who you can call when an emergency happens to occur.