A dental emergency is a dental problem that should not be ignored and requires immediate attention. Not all dental problems are emergencies.
However, if the bleeding or pain doesn’t stop, or you have a broken facial bone, you need urgent care.
Below are some of the dental emergencies that need immediate care:
Severe toothache
If there is a sharp and consistent toothache, it is often a telltale sign that there is something wrong beneath the surface. It can be because of several underlying problems, such as a cavity or a hole in the tooth.
Plaque can get stuck in the tooth, a sticky mix of food, bacteria, and particles that covers the enamel. This plaque creates a chemical that breaks down the enamel, hence penetrating inside the tooth. The tooth’s nerve and its exposure depend upon the depth of the cavity. Consequently, a sharp pain and sensitivity to cold or hot foods can occur.
Dental abscess
A dental abscess is a pus-filled bacterial infection that usually occurs in the surrounding gums. Symptoms include swelling in the jaw or face, fever, and pain. An infection like this has the capability to spread quickly if not treated in time.
The symptoms of a dental abscess include pain in the gums, toothache, redness in the mouth, sensitivity to hot and cold, bad taste in the mouth, swollen face, and jaw.
Hence, it is significant that you visit the dentist in an emergency so that it does not become a life-threatening problem. Same-day treatment can manage the infection and prevent serious complications. This abscess does not go away on its own and needs immediate medical care from a dentist.
Uncontrollable bleeding
The root cause of bleeding gums is plaque buildup in the gum line. This has the possibility of leading to gingivitis or inflamed gums. This also leads to an increase in bleeding and a more advanced form of jawbone and gum disease, known as periodontitis.
There are several other causes of bleeding gums, including brushing too hard, improper flossing, infection, leukemia, vitamin K deficiency, use of blood thinners, and ill-fitting dentures. Normal bleeding is okay. However, uncontrollable bleeding is a sign of an emergency.
Broken or chipped tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can cause several problems. This is because sensitive nerves are going through our teeth. A chipped tooth can occur because of teeth grinding, facial injury, or old age. Your tooth can also feel sensitive at certain temperatures. Other symptoms include swelling around the tooth, toothache, sharp pain when biting, halitosis, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
To Sum It Up
It is important to address dental emergencies quickly. If you don’t do so, other dental problems can arise, and the situation can get worse because of ignorance. Visit the dentist, and let them check your dental problem to prevent any further damage.
Contact Katy Cypress Oral Surgery and Implant Center to get the best dental care available. You can call us at (281) 667-0607 and book your dental appointment now.