5 Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care from a Professional Dentist
Posted on: 14 December 2021
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With numerous kinds of dental problems, it can be pretty confusing knowing which ones require emergency dental care. For severe cases, delaying even a single day might be the difference between keeping and losing your tooth. If you find it hard to differentiate emergencies from non-emergencies, here are five signs it's time to schedule an emergency dentist appointment.
Your Tooth Is Broken
You don't need to visit your emergency dentist if you only have a slightly chipped tooth with zero pain. But a severely knocked out or broken tooth can amount to excruciating pain that will force you to seek emergency dental care. After evaluation, the dentist might offer some pain-relieving drugs or appropriate dental treatment. If your tooth has permanently fallen off, it's recommended to keep it in a glass of milk until your dentist attends to you. Milk helps preserve it before reinsertion.
Unexplained Toothache Flares
Conditions like gum disease and infections might cause persistent toothaches. You can consider several home remedies for minor aches, but don't hesitate to visit an emergency dentist if it persists. Another common cause of persistent toothache is an abscessed tooth. Check whether there is a localised bump on the inflamed or swollen gums. Call an emergency dentist immediately if you experience these symptoms, including teeth sensitivity, fever and a swollen face.
Bleeding Gums
It's normal for gums to bleed after some flossing or if you have gum disease. However, if it's prolonged bleeding accompanied by excessive pain or inflammation, visit your emergency dentist. Another common cause for this problem might be periodontal gum disease.
A Swollen Jaw or Mouth
Another sign you should see an emergency dentist is a swollen mouth or jaw. This problem might arise from various conditions like swollen lymph nodes, infections, gum disease or, rarely, cancer. Since you might not figure out what makes your mouth or jaw swell among those conditions, it's better to consult with your emergency dentist.
A Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
If your mouth is tasting like pennies, then the chances are that your crowns have loosened. If it's an open filling, you might be putting yourself at risk of developing an infection or cavities. Further delays might double your chances of requiring a root canal to remedy the issue.
Do you experience any of the signs mentioned above? Don't hesitate to seek emergency dental care from a reputable dental clinic near you if the answer is yes. The earlier the symptoms are detected and fix the better your dental health and wellbeing.