How would you know if your discomfort is normal, or an actual toothache to be worried about? Problems that seem small can rapidly develop into a toothache that you won’t soon forget if you go without treatment. If you need immediate toothache relief, an emergency dentist is available to help. Here are six signs that you need emergency dentistry services.
1. A tooth is loose
As an adult, you should never have a loose or wiggly tooth. By this time, your teeth will have matured completely. If one has started feeling loose, you should be concerned. One potential cause of a loose tooth is some type of tooth injury that can be extremely painful, requiring immediate medical attention. No matter if the injury was caused by sports or some type of accident, you need to make sure that all of your teeth are intact and strong.
Even if your teeth look completely normal and sound, you may still need an emergency visit to check for any jaw or nerve damage. It is better to be safe than sorry in this type of situation.
A localized infection can also cause one or more teeth to be loose. You will need to visit an emergency dentist to determine the cause of your loose tooth and if you have an infection. This may include x-rays and an oral exam to get to the bottom of the problem. If treated early enough, we can keep the infection from spreading or possibly prevent the extraction of the tooth.
2. You have a severe toothache
When you have an unbearable toothache, it means that you need to visit the dentist for immediate pain relief. If your toothache is more bearable, there are some treatments that you can give yourself at home until you see your dentist. Diagnosing the cause of your toothache is important so that toothache relief will last.
The best case scenario is to prevent a toothache from occurring in the first place. However, this is not always possible. Habits and certain lifestyle choices can leave you with a painful toothache before you know it. If pain from a toothache has reached severe levels, or the tooth grows sensitive to extreme temperatures, you need to visit your dentist.
3. Your gums bleed and ache
Bleeding gums can be an indication of early gum disease. If you have excessive gum bleeding that is not due to an injury or vigorous flossing, this should be a red flag to you. These are common symptoms of gum disease. In this situation, you will need to visit us to determine the cause. When detected early, gum disease can be treated so that your gums and teeth remain healthy and intact. If left untreated, gum disease can reach the point of no return.
4. Your jaw is swollen
Jaw swelling can be an indication of a serious infection. One type of infection that is possible in this instance is a salivary gland infection. If you have a swollen jaw combined with fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a bad taste in your mouth, you need to seek the care of an emergency dentist right away.
Salivary gland infections are normally due to salivary gland infections caused by bacteria. If your salivary glands are blocked, saliva will have a hard time performing its function of breaking down food and washing away bacteria. Although salivary infections are somewhat rare, you should still see an emergency dentist to examine you.
5. You have a tooth abscess
If you suspect a dental abscess, you definitely need to visit an emergency dentist. Abscessed teeth lead to very painful infections that are typically located at the root of the affected tooth. Abscesses are often due to untreated cavities or late stage gum disease. An abscess can also because by trauma to the tooth.
Abscessed tooth symptoms include the presence of pus, a bad taste in the mouth, and swollen glands. Seek emergency treatment right away. An abscess will typically involve some type of surgery to ensure that the infection is drained and properly treated.
6. Your tooth becomes numb
When you were previously having a painful toothache that went numb, this could indicate that an infection has reached the root of your tooth. It is not a good sign to experience a complete lack of feeling in a tooth. This may indicate that the infection has reached the tooth nerves.
If you or a loved one should experience any of the above signs and symptoms, please contact the office of Village Green Dentistry immediately for an emergency visit.