If you are experiencing a low-level, nagging discomfort in your teeth, jaw, or gums, you can wait several days to see your dentist at a regular appointment. However, you do not always have to wait it out. Some situations are so serious or cause intense discomfort that your only alternative is to seek Lompoc emergency dentistry.
Waiting too long can result in more serious concerns later on. Not sure what is cause for immediate concerns and what can wait several days? Here are some common reasons to seek emergency dental care.
1. You Are Experiencing Bleeding
Noticing your gums bleed after you floss or brush is a cause for concern. It is a warning sign of gum disease or gingivitis. You might even notice a smell when flossing and aching or swelling of the gums.
Treatment for early-stage gum disease is crucial. Once the condition reaches a certain point, it could make it practically impossible to salvage your tooth. Seeking emergency dentistry can help protect your teeth from more serious complications and save your smile.
2. You Experience Sudden Tooth Loss
There are numerous causes of sudden tooth loss, including sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and more. Losing an adult tooth can not only be uncomfortable, but it could also be aesthetically daunting. If you take immediate action, the tooth remains viable and can be replanted.
If you experience a lost or loose tooth, do not hesitate to contact your emergency dentist. Your doctor will provide you with guidelines on how to preserve your tooth till you reach the office. For instance, you should not touch the tooth root.
3. You Have Swelling
Swelling could be a warning sign of infection. Infection in your mouth can be possibly life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to seek emergency dental care.
Swelling could occur in your gums, face, or lymph nodes. Left untreated, the infection can spread into your bloodstream and cause serious health complications. Therefore, inform your dentist how long you have experienced swelling, where it is situated, and any other infection signs you might have.
4. You Are In Pain
It is common to experience occasional toothaches. In most cases, this discomfort is dull and disappears in several minutes. However, if you experience pain that keeps you awake, and radiates to your jaw, neck, or ear, you probably have a serious oral issue.
Lying down might intensify your pain. Besides, you may also experience constant throbbing in the mouth, sensitivity, and sometimes facial swelling. Your emergency dentist can complete a dental exam, and obtain X-ray images of your mouth to determine the cause of discomfort and suggest appropriate therapy.
5. You Jaw Is Popping
If you experience a popping sensation in your jaw, or it feels stuck, you should seek emergency dental care. In most cases, your jaw can slide back and forth with no issue. However, a popping sensation could signify temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
TMJ can also cause other symptoms, such as grinding or clicking noise when you open your jaw. These symptoms often limit your jaw movement, which could affect your bite and chew. Your emergency dentist can determine the severity of your TMJ, and suggest the best treatment to avoid additional concerns.
Emergencies can happen at any time of the day. Staying prepared is wide. Unfortunately, you never know when you will need emergency dental care.
If you have any dental concerns that require immediate treatment to alleviate discomfort, save your tooth, decrease swelling, or stop bleeding, that is considered an emergency. Therefore, do not hesitate to talk to an emergency dentist. Your specialist will provide appropriate therapy to possibly salvage your tooth, and protect your smile.
