What Are The Signs That You Need Emergency Dental Treatment?
When it comes to dental health, pain is a sign that something isn’t right. Everyone experiences toothaches once in a while as a result of eating too much candy, grinding teeth, or suffering from an oral infection, but if the pain persists and worsens over time, then it’s a good indication that you may need to seek emergency dental care. There are several signs that could mean your issue is serious enough to require immediate attention – from broken teeth and severe infections to lost fillings and badly damaged gums. We will discuss in this article each in more detail so you can be better equipped to take action when needed and get the best possible results for your smile. Keep reading on!
- Severe Tooth Pain: The most common sign of needing emergency dental care is intense tooth pain that won’t go away regardless of how much over-the-counter medication you take. If the discomfort is severe and constant, it could be a sign of an infection or abscessed tooth requiring immediate attention.
- Swollen Gums: Swelling in your gums can indicate serious gum disease or even an infection in your mouth that requires prompt medical treatment before it worsens. Your gums may also be sore to the touch and bleed easily after brushing or flossing, which are both signs of advanced decay and should not be ignored.
- Broken Teeth: Whether due to trauma or natural decay, when a tooth breaks it can often cause extreme discomfort and should be addressed. Depending on the severity of the break, your dentist may need to extract part of the shattered tooth to help alleviate pain and preserve what’s left of your smile.
- Lost Fillings: Fillings that suddenly fall out should not be ignored as the underlying problem could be more serious. Decay can quickly spread throughout your mouth if it goes untreated and further damage will ensue. Emergency dentists will assess the damage and offer restorative treatments that can stop further decay and restore the full health of your tooth. This may include replacing the existing filling with a new one, cleaning away any infection, or performing more advanced procedures such as root canal therapy.
- Severe Infections: If you suspect an infection in your mouth due to swollen lymph nodes, fever, or difficulty breathing, then you should seek emergency dental care immediately as these are all signs of oral sepsis that can lead to serious complications. Oral sepsis is a severe infection of the mouth that occurs when bacteria or viruses invade the soft tissues in and around the teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and other areas of the mouth.
If you experience any of the above signs, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible in order to achieve the best possible outcome for your dental health. Emergency dental care can often be lifesaving for those experiencing severe pain or infection and should not be delayed. Contact us today if you have a first sign of pain or discomfort with your teeth. We want our patients to feel safe in the dentist’s chair and ensure they’re taken care of both medically and financially no matter the situation. Schedule an appointment with us today at Renova Smiles for a comprehensive examination.
