Do All Types Of Teeth Pain Need Emergency Dental Care?
Have you ever experienced toothache that does not go away even after taking over-the-counter painkillers? What was your next thought when the painkillers failed to work? The truth is toothache is very common. Although this is the case, a toothache can be caused by different reasons. Some causes of tooth pain include receding gums, tooth decay and tooth trauma. However, not all of these causes necessitate urgent dental care. This piece will take you through some common dental emergencies and the types of tooth pain that require immediate dental care.
What Are the Common Dental Emergencies?
- Toothache- pain is never good; as earlier mentioned, it can indicate several problems. However, there is tooth pain that can be managed at home and does not need any emergency. It is advisable to avoid using any over-the-counter painkiller as it can mask the root of the problem, and the problem can arise later when it has caused more damage to your teeth.
- Knocked-out tooth- an accident can leave you with a knocked-out tooth. When this happens, don’t panic; try to locate the knocked-out tooth, hold it by the exposed part, which is the crown and dip it in a glass of milk. After doing so, visit the emergency dentistry in Burlington, ON. It would be best if you went to the emergency dentist as soon as possible so they can try to put the tooth back.
- Abscess- this is an indication of an infection in your mouth. It usually happens near the tooth’s roots or between your teeth and gums. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the healthy teeth, gums, and your body. To confirm if you have an infection in your mouth, check your gums for a painful, swollen spot that looks like a pimple.
- Lost crown or filling- crowns and dental fillings are used to restore previously damaged teeth. So, when they break, you must immediately look for emergency dental care. Failure to do so might leave your teeth vulnerable to damage or reinfection.
- Broken orthodontics- braces are made of metallic wires and brackets to withstand the chewing and eating forces. Nonetheless, these metallic brackets and wires can still break. When they do, they can cause lots of discomforts, making it challenging for you to talk or chew properly. Additionally, the metallic parts of your braces can also cause lacerations on your gums and other soft tissues, which will be left open to infections. Therefore, if you notice your braces are broken, have them fixed immediately.
Now that you know the most common dental emergencies, how do you know that your toothache needs immediate dental treatment?
Signs That Your Tooth Pain Needs Urgent Dental Care
- You have a severe toothache- mild tooth pain that comes occasionally is not a dental emergency but should be addressed in your next dental visit. However, a persistent toothache that lasts more than 2 days and wakes you up at night, accompanied by fever and difficulty breathing or swallowing, should be addressed immediately. The pain and discomfort can be a sign of considerable damage from a tooth infection or untreated cavity.
- Bleeding gums cause lots of pain- if you brush and floss your teeth and notice that your gums have become swollen and are bleeding might indicate gum disease at its early stage. This is not a dental emergency. On the other hand, if your gums are painful and bleeding due to tooth trauma, you need urgent medical care. This is especially important if you cannot control the bleeding.
- You have a loose tooth- people with good oral health should not have loose or wiggly teeth. Healthy mature teeth should be stable enough to let you speak and eat normally. So, if you notice that one of your teeth is shaky, there could be a serious issue. Either you were involved in a car accident or during sports or severe gum disease that has weakened the tissues that hold your teeth in position. Whatever the cause of the loose tooth, you need to seek urgent care quickly.
- A swollen jaw- if you’ve not had a dental procedure and have a swollen jaw, this might mean a serious infection, for instance, of the salivary glands. On the other hand, if you have a swollen jaw accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth with a fever, seek emergency dental care without delay.
Every day, people face different dental problems. Whether the dental problems need urgent care or not, you need to seek dental services at your earliest convenience. So, if you’re faced with any dental problem, visit Walkers Line Dental Centre, and our dental professional will treat your problem to restore your smile and health.