Emergency Dentistry– Five Signs That You Need to Note
A dental emergency is an unpleasant situation for which no one wants to be unprepared.
Most people know they have a dentist to visit when they need their teeth fixed. But what about when there is a severe dental issue with your teeth that cannot wait? An emergency dentist near you is the solution for those who have a dental emergency.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an acute injury to the teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues that could cause damage if not addressed immediately.
Dental emergencies can either be urgent or non-urgent, and it is vital to know the difference before you visit an emergency dentist in Spring.
Urgent dental emergencies are the most common of all because they can have severe consequences if left untreated. Some signs of an urgent dental emergency include gum bleeding and toothache.
Non-urgent dental emergencies are those that can be handled at home as you wait for the earliest dental appointment.
What Are the Common Dental Emergency Signs?
The common dental emergency signs to watch out for include:
- Bleeding gums
One of the most common dental emergencies is bleeding gums. It can occur due to gum disease or inflammation. When this happens, it can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort.
Bleeding gums are a common issue that most people experience at some point in their life, but it is crucial to know what should be done when they occur.
Gum bleeding can cause health problems when left untreated, like tooth loss and other health complications.
Consult an emergency dentist if you experience persistent bad breath, sores in the mouth, or fever.
It’s vital to stop the bleeding by applying pressure on the sore area and taking control of your pain while waiting for an emergency dentist in Spring, TX, to see you.
- Toothache
Toothaches are caused by impacted wisdom teeth, abscesses, gum disease, cavities, injuries to the gum tissue from dental fillings or braces, problems in the jaw joint such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). It is important to seek immediate dental assistance to address the root cause before it worsens.
If your tooth is throbbing or hurting too much, you can use a cold compress over it for 10 minutes, and rinse your mouth out with warm water. Finally, visit an emergency dentist in TX for assistance.
- Swollen jaw
Swollen jaw happens when the tissues in the jaw swell and become painful. It occurs because of excessive fluid buildup due to blocked salivary glands caused by infection.
You can use ice packs for 15 minutes every two hours to alleviate the pain. Also, rinse with a warm salt solution (one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water).
- Dental abscess
A dental abscess is an infection that occurs when a bacterial or fungal infection enters the tooth. The bacteria and fungus can enter through a small crack in the tooth and travel to the pulp. It can cause nerve damage and other serious health complications.
The most common sign of an abscess is swelling under the gum tissue. The swelling will cause pain and tenderness in the area where the abscess is located. Patients can also experience discoloration, increased warmth, or a foul odor in the affected area.
If you observe these symptoms, visit an emergency dentist in 77379 for treatment advice and treatment options.
- Knocked teeth
If you or your child knocked out a tooth, be sure to visit the emergency dentist immediately.
You mustn’t delay seeking treatment for a knocked-out tooth. You could further damage your jawbone and knock it out in turn.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies?
There are several ways to prevent dental emergencies. Many of these methods are easy and only require a quick change in behavior like flossing and brushing. Others require more time and effort, like not biting your fingernails or wearing mouth guards when playing sports.
Final Thoughts
Delaying treatment after a dental trauma occurs can negatively affect your oral and dental health. Visit Paul Graf DDS immediately after an accident occurs for assistance.