The first indication of a dental emergency for many is often the first shooting stabs of pain experienced in the mouth. But this is not the only time to seek urgent treatment from a dental practitioner. There are other equally critical times when proper professional care is required. In the instances below, it is only an emergency dentist in Southgate that can provide the required care and it is important not to delay care anymore than is necessary.
4 dental emergency red flags that are a cause for concern:
Exposed nerves
Exposed tooth nerves are an excruciating condition that is often experienced consuming hot and cold drinks. Causes of the inner pulp that comprise of the blood vessels, nerves and tissue being exposed are many and include: broken/cracked tooth, gum recession and inflamed gums.
Loss of adult teeth
The loss of a permanent tooth is a serious cause of concern as it can indicate a grave health concern. If the loss is a result of a facial injury, then the teeth can be reattached; however, speedy action is required as the window of opportunity is slim. If due to an infection, immediate treatment is also required to avoid the infection spreading.
Cracked or chipped teeth
Putting the unattractiveness of chipped teeth aside, this dental concern is an emergency as if left untreated, can lead to bacteria entering the area, giving rise to infections and more aggressive treatment methods.
Dental abscess
An abscess in the mouth or evidence of pus is a serious condition. Symptoms include throbbing pain, redness and swelling in the gum area, a bad taste and fever. There are different types of abscess and complications if left untreated vary from dental cysts developing requiring antibiotics and perhaps even surgery to Ludwig’s angina, which in severe cases can be fatal.
How to tell if you need immediate dental treatment?
In the absence of pain, it can be difficult to ascertain whether seeking critical care is necessary. The following symptoms checklist is useful from telling a true emergency from a not-so-serious one:
- Is there any indication of bleeding in the mouth?
- Is the pain unbearably severe?
- Have any teeth come loose or have been knocked out?
- Is there evidence of swelling within the mouth or externally around the facial area?
Being able to identify when care is absolutely critical can mean saving natural teeth and sometimes addressing life-threatening issues such as developing an infection in the mouth. For patients who have had previous mouth problems or those predisposed to certain issues due to genetic factors need more frequent check-ups instead of having a 6 month break.
Patient apathy is one of the contributing reasons many people in the UK avoid seeking proper dental care. Statistics released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) reveal that only 52% of the UK’s adult population have their teeth checked. Another contributing reason is dental anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle includes regular health checks including dental check-ups. The highly recommended way to avoid the situations above is routine check-ups. A check-up allows a dentist to detect warning signs of mouth and teeth issues arising and provides patients with peace of mind that their teeth are strong and healthy.
