An emergency can occur at any given moment. Although it's a good idea to be ready, we can never be sure when we'll get the call. In order to help you decide whether you should visit the dentist right away or wait until tomorrow, here are the seven common indicators of a dental emergency.
1. Your gums are bleeding
It can be worrisome to notice bleeding gums after flossing or brushing. It is a symptom of an initial stage of gum disease. When using dental floss, you might even notice an unpleasant scent, gum swelling, or tooth pain. Early gum disease must be treated immediately. You might not be able to restore your teeth to health after the condition has progressed to a certain extent. Hence, visiting an emergency dentist to find out what is happening and developing a treatment plan as soon as possible could actually save your smile!
2. You have lost one or more teeth
Losing one of your teeth as an adult not only means lots of pain but also can render your smile unsightly. Call your dental specialist as soon as possible if you have loose or knocked-out teeth. If timely intervention is taken, the tooth might still be saved and might even be replanted. Hence, put your tooth in a glass of water or milk to keep it moisturized and call the dentist. You will receive advice on how to keep the tooth healthy until you get there.
3. Your gums or jaw are swollen
Swelling is one of the most significant signs of infection. An oral infection has the potential to be fatal. It's crucial that you see a dentist right away. Your gums, face, or even your lymph nodes may be swollen if the infection is severe. Untreated infections have the potential to enter the bloodstream and lead to major health issues. Inform an experienced dental specialist about where and for how long you have swelling as well as any other infection-related symptoms you may be experiencing.
4. You experience pain in your teeth or jaw
Major dental problems can cause pain that makes it hard to sleep at night and can often radiate to your neck, jaw, or ears. When this kind of pain occurs, lying down could make you feel worse. Additionally, you can experience sensitive skin, tooth sensitivity, and facial swelling. A dental specialist can perform an examination and take a few x-rays to figure out what's wrong. It's crucial not to postpone your treatment to avoid irreversible damage to your dental and overall health.
5. You have cracked or broken teeth:
Your dentist's recommended course of treatment will depend on where and how badly the fracture or break is in your tooth. Always make saving the damaged tooth your top priority. It's important that you visit a specialist right away. When talking to your dental specialist, be careful to explain, if possible, how the injury occurred.
6. You have growths or sores inside your mouth
It's a good idea to notify your dental specialist if you see a growth in your mouth. A persisting or recurring growth or soreness might be an indication of mouth cancer. A dentist can perform a visual cancer screening in addition to using a device that can spot anomalies that are otherwise invisible to the unaided eye.
7. You have an unpleasant taste inside your mouth
Many individuals got amalgam (metal) fillings before composite (tooth-colored) fillings became common. If you have a metallic aftertaste, it's probable that an old filling has come loose or is slowly breaking. Your tooth will become more vulnerable to infections and tooth decay if you ignore the problem. Call your dentist to alleviate your symptoms timely and avoid costly treatments like root canals.