4 Indicators Suggesting You Need Emergency Dental Treatment

Any serious medical condition should be handled with urgency. The longer you delay medical care, the higher the danger of developing complications, leading to increased discomfort and potentially increased treatment expenses. The faster you find help, the sooner the underlying condition will be treated and dealt with before it becomes worse.

If you’re experiencing any severe dental symptoms, you should call your emergency dentist immediately or visit a dentist’s office near you as soon as possible. The dentist will diagnose the issue and provide the necessary treatment. But how do you know whether a dental condition needs emergency care or not?

4 Indicators You Need to See an Emergency Dentist

Some symptoms can signal that you should seek immediate attention. For instance, if you have a toothache, you might need emergency dental care. However, if you have persistent bleeding after having a tooth extracted, that calls for emergency care.

Here are four signs you should seek emergency dental treatment:

• Bleeding Gums

Bleeding or sore gums is a common symptom of gingivitis. When plaque builds up around the gums, it can irritate them, making them sore, red, swollen, or sometimes bleed. When not treated in a timely manner, gingivitis progresses to a worsened condition known as periodontal disease.

When you notice your gums are swollen or bleeding, immediate dental attention is needed to identify the underlying cause. In most cases, bleeding gums usually indicate early signs of gingivitis and can be treated by your dentist before it progresses.

When you visit the emergency dentist, the dentist will review your condition and clean off the plaque to remove the discomfort and manage gingivitis. If you notice any bleeding when brushing or eating, seek immediate dental care.

• Chipped, Broken, or Knocked-Out Tooth

The sad truth is that your teeth aren’t indestructible. When excessive pressure is exerted on the tooth, such as when chewing or in an accident, it can break, fracture, chip, or fall out; regardless of the cause of damage, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible..

Regardless of how small the damage may seem, it can cause serious problems if not handled properly. The dentist’s treatment procedure will depend on the severity and location of the tooth damage. The dentist will focus on saving your tooth. For a knocked-out tooth, you must see your dentist within a couple hours of the incident. During that time, preserve the tooth or fragments in a glass of water or milk and take them with you to the dentist.

• Severe Toothache

While not every toothache is a sign of a serious dental condition, it’s recommended that you seek immediate dental help if you experience severe and persistent tooth pain. Especially if your tooth is sensitive to cold or hot foods and drinks. Additionally, if a tooth hurts when chewing, it could indicate a pulp infection or tooth damage.

Whatever the cause of your toothache, it’s recommended that you call your emergency dentist right away. The dentist will analyze your condition and plan the treatment to provide relief and treat the underlying condition.

• Swollen Mouth or Jaw

Any swelling in the mouth is a dental problem. In most cases, the swelling is usually accompanied by tooth pain, bad breath, and sensitivity. Commonly, these symptoms indicate a dental abscess, a serious infection caused by bacteria.

The abscess should be treated immediately by a dentist, as they can lead to fatal complications. For instance, the infection can easily spread to the adjacent teeth or other parts of the body.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

• Wear a mouthguard during sports and recreational activities
• Avoid chewing hard foods, and don’t use your teeth to open or cut things
• Schedule routine dental visits
• Notify your dentist if you notice any dental problems
• Maintain excellent dental hygiene
• Reduce your intake of sugar and acidic foods

Final Verdict

Trust your gut. If you feel or think that your condition requires immediate attention, then seek it right away. For an emergency dentist in Longmont, contact Mertz Family Dentistry today to book your appointment.