Suffering from a dental emergency is no joke. But sometimes, people don’t realize they are experiencing a dental emergency because they think it’s normal.
The different types of dental emergencies should be common knowledge because sometimes, people don’t know they’re suffering from one until it’s too late. To know when you need to visit a dentist as soon as possible, here are the dental emergencies you may experience:
1. Infection
If an infection develops in your dental pulp, you might need a root canal treatment in Upland or any other location to get rid of the problem before it spreads or gets worse. A dental infection is usually caused by tooth decay or a cracked tooth and manifests in symptoms such as pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth, among others.
When left untreated, the infection in your dental pulp can spread to other parts of the body, such as the jaw, and cause more symptom-related issues. Thus, treating a dental infection is a time-sensitive matter.
2. Chipping, cracking, or breaking a tooth
Mild cracks in the tooth don’t need to be treated right away, but you still need to go to the dentist to have them checked out. On the other hand, if you chip, crack, or break your tooth severely, it’s considered a dental emergency and you must go to the dentist as soon as possible. Chipping or breaking a tooth can leave the nerves exposed, which can lead to severe pain and infections.
3. Losing a tooth
If you lose a tooth entirely because of facial trauma, try saving the tooth before you go to the dentist. If you can still find your tooth, keep it in a container with milk or saltwater, and then visit the dentist immediately. If you act quick enough, you might be able to save your tooth.
4. Severe toothache
Toothache is a common symptom of a myriad of dental issues, such as cavities, infection, or exposed roots. If you experience mild aching in your teeth and gums, you might get away with scheduling your dental visit the following week. However, if the pain is severe and intolerable, you should call in for a dental emergency.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, you can ease the pain by applying a cold compress or taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or painkillers. However, don’t rely on band-aid solutions to treat the symptoms of your tooth problems. Remember that toothaches are a sign of something wrong, and you should still go to the dentist even if it goes away for a while.
5. Losing a crown or filling
A filling or crown may fall out of your mouth due to normal wear and tear. However, there are some instances that a crown or filling falls out because of a new cavity. In any case, go to the dentist as soon as possible to get the crown or filling replaced. After some time without the filling or crown, your tooth may become sensitive and damaged over time.
6. Cut that bleeds incessantly
If there is a cut in your mouth that won’t stop bleeding, this qualifies as a dental emergency. You might need stitches for the wound to prevent further damage or infection.
These are the most common problems that can affect your dental and overall health. If you experience the issues mentioned above, going to the dentist as soon as possible is highly advisable.
