Several serious symptoms may require seeing a dental specialist for specialized care. One such symptom is severe tooth pain that persists despite over-the-counter pain medications or home remedies. This could be indicative of an advanced dental infection or abscess, which may require the expertise of an endodontist for root canal therapy or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for surgical intervention. Another serious symptom is persistent bleeding or swelling of the gums. This could be a sign of advanced gum disease, which may necessitate evaluation and treatment by a periodontist. Periodontists are trained in managing complex gum diseases and performing gum surgeries to prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Other serious symptoms that may require seeing a dental specialist include significant dental trauma, difficulty in chewing or swallowing, persistent bad breath, changes in speech, or suspicious oral lesions that may be indicative of oral cancer. In such cases, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an oral pathologist may be consulted for further evaluation and treatment.