Dental problems can be painful and problematic, but not every situation will require immediate care. Certain issues are considered an emergency, while others can wait until your next dental appointment, so before you rush out, it’s important that you first confirm whether or not you are dealing with a dental emergency.
If you are in severe pain or have lost a tooth, these would be considered emergency cases, as would an infection or loose teeth in adults. If you are bleeding from the mouth, this, too, would be considered a dental emergency, so you would have to get to a dental clinic right away because these issues cannot wait. Failing to seek emergency care would potentially threaten your health or cost you a tooth, so if you ever experience any of the following, you are likely dealing with a dental emergency:
Constant Toothache
This is an indication that something is very wrong, and your body is telling you that there is a problem in your mouth. Sudden or inexplicable toothaches are considered a dental emergency, and a dentist will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
Bleeding Gums
This is a very serious problem because it’s likely an indication of an underlying dental or health issue. Bleeding gums are not normal, so you should seek emergency dental care right away.
Swollen Jaw
If your jaw or mouth suddenly becomes swollen, it may be the result of an infection or irritation in your lymph nodes, so you need to be treated right away. Your jaw or mouth should never become swollen for no apparent reason, so make sure you seek help.
Exposed Nerves
This will cause you excruciating pain, and emergency dental care will be required right away. If you wait, you will experience further nerve damage, infection and extensive dental treatments, so make sure you head to an emergency dental clinic immediately.
Knocked-out Tooth
If you ever have a tooth suddenly knocked out of your mouth, you need to act fast because it may be possible for your dentist to preserve and reinsert your tooth. Pick up your tooth very carefully from the top and do not touch the root, and if you can, try to reinsert it in the socket. If this is not a possibility, place your tooth in a small container of milk and get to the dentist right away.
Missing Filling or Broken Crown
Without your filling, your tooth can easily break or chip, exposing your tooth’s nerves and leading to a number of other dental problems. A broken crown would also expose your tooth and make it vulnerable to infection and damage, so schedule an emergency appointment right away.
Abscessed Tooth
This is a very serious problem and can be potentially life-threatening, so emergency care is a must. This occurs whenever a pocket of pus in the tooth has led to an infection, and if this problem is not treated right away, the infection can spread into your jaw, surrounding tissue and other parts of your body.
Whether you are looking for cosmetic dentistry, a reputable dentist or dentistry for kids, the experts at KR Dental can help, so if you are in the Oshawa area, contact our clinic today!