If you or someone in your family is experiencing a constant, dull pain in your jaw, teeth, or gums, then you need to see your dentist.
You may feel like it’s an issue that isn’t a big deal and that it will go away on its own. However, something so small can be an indicator of a much bigger issue. You should never wait out any unexplained pain or swelling in your mouth. When you first start noticing the signs, you should schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
The following are just 7 situations that would require the help of an emergency dentist.
1. Broken or Knocked Out Tooth
If you have a kid who’s really into sports, the likelihood that they’ll break a tooth or knock one completely out is high. It’ll be a bloody mess. Plus, without immediate treatment, they’ll be miserable with pain and will probably permanently lose that tooth. Waiting also increases your risk of having more expensive and invasive procedures.
2. Missing Filling or Crown.
While crowns or fillings are great dental solutions, they sometimes come loose. Sometimes, you’ll know immediately when this happens. Other times, all you’ll get is the taste of pennies or copper in your mouth. When you get that taste or feel either loosening, get to a dentist as soon as possible. It’s another instance of having a severe consequence if neglected. You may need a root canal or another invasive procedure if left unchecked.
3. Unexplained Tooth Pain
Sometimes, you experience pain that’s unexplainable. You don’t know how or when it happened, but your mouth aches. Perhaps, your teeth feel like they’re on fire or the slightest breeze sends pain jolting through your gums. There are a variety of reasons you may have pain in your mouth. However, you won’t know why or how to relieve the pain until you see a doctor.
4. Bleeding Gums
Plaque buildup and gum disease are common causes of your gums bleeding. Ideally, you’re working with your dentist to address what the underlying reasons are for your condition. However, if you find that your gums are constantly bleeding or are in pain, go see your dentist immediately.
5. Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is a localised collection of pus, causing the tissue around it to become inflamed. If you have one, an abscessed tooth can be extremely painful. You won’t be able to eat, drink, or even talk. Don’t suffer unbearable pain any longer than you have to. Schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth treated as soon as possible.
6. Exposed Nerves
The pain of an exposed nerve can be just as bad as that of an abscessed tooth. It will make going about your normal activities completely impossible. If the pain abruptly stops or persists for a long period of time, go see a doctor. It could mean that the nerve is so badly damaged that you can no longer feel anything.
7. Swollen Jaw or Mouth
If you experience swelling in your jaw or anywhere in your mouth, it could be a sign of infection. In rare cases, such a scenario could indicate cancer. Since there’s no other way to determine the cause for sure, it’s important that you see a dentist right away so that they can properly diagnose you.
The Bottom Line
You shouldn’t have to tough it out if there’s something amiss in your mouth. Take advantage of the resources you have at your disposal and schedule an emergency dental appointment if you are in pain.
Our doctors at Hamptons Dental are equipped with the skills and technology to deal with any problem you may experience right away. For more information or to schedule an emergency appointment, give us a call. We’ll schedule you as soon as we possibly can and instruct you on what to do in the meantime.
