Dental problems sometimes develop at any moment and usually without warning. Maintaining your oral health and avoiding more difficulties depend on knowing when to seek emergency dental care. Ignoring some signs could cause serious issues requiring more than just mild therapy. When should you then phone your dentist?
Signs Indicating Need for Emergency Dental Treatment
Not every dental issue calls for a straight-forward visit to the dentist. Some circumstances, meanwhile, need quick attention to avoid complications or more injury. Here are some obvious indicators:
- Severe toothache: An abscess or infection may be indicated by a throbbing, relentless toothache not responding to over-the-counter painkillers. See a dentist right now; wait for this one.
- Knocked-out teeth: Time is of great importance during tooth loss. If you find the tooth, hold it in place and gently put it back into the socket (without touching the root). Should that prove unworkable, keep the tooth in milk and visit the dentist right away. The likelihood of saving the tooth increases with early action.
- A cracked or fractured tooth: It could be rather uncomfortable and expose you to an infection risk. The dentist may advise either extraction or repair depending on the degree of the damage.
- Excessive bleeding following a dental operation or damage calls for quick intervention. With gauze, gently press the bleeding area; then, see a professional.
- A swollen jaw or cheek can point to an illness requiring quick antibiotic treatment.
- An adult tooth that seems loose may indicate trauma or underlying gum disease. Ignorance about it will not help; a dentist can identify the reason and provide therapy.
- An abscess in dentistry is a pus-filled infection originating at the root of a tooth. It can bring about major swelling, discomfort, and even fever. Dealing with an abscess and stopping the spread of the illness depend on emergency dental treatment.
When Not to Wait for Emergency Dentistry
Some symptoms should never be discounted. Delaying therapy could cause more severe medical issues.
- Extreme pain that does not go away with over-the-counter painkillers indicates you should see a specialist. Your body uses pain to tell you something is not quite right.
- Swelling of your lips or face could point to an infection. Ignored, the infection might proliferate and lead to more major medical problems.
- Unchecked bleeding from your mouth or gums should cause great worry. See the emergency dentist right away if the bleeding ceases.
Selecting the correct emergency dentist
Your experience and result can be much different depending on the emergency dentist you choose. These guidelines help one identify the appropriate professional:
- Look for a dentist with a strong emergency care reputation and good ratings. Also quite helpful are personal suggestions from relatives or friends.
- Short-notice availability of an emergency dentist should be ensured. See their hours and whether they do weekend or after-hour visits.
- Location: An emergency calls for close proximity. Select a dentist near your house or place of employment to guarantee quick access should you need it.
Be ready to explain your symptoms and any recent dental work you have undergone on your emergency dental appointment. To identify the issue, the dentist will probably do a careful inspection, including X-rays.
Recall that maintaining your oral health and general well-being depends on early intervention. Please don't hesitate to obtain the relief you so richly deserve.