No one ever wants to have a dental emergency, but if this happens to you, it is nice to know you can get the help you need. Your general dentist should be able to make a same-day or after-hours appointment for you. However, dentists would not consider every situation to be a dental emergency. It is helpful to understand what conditions are serious enough for you to call immediately and get to the office as soon as possible. Other issues can wait until the next day or later.
A lot of problems can occur in a person’s mouth, but this does not mean it is a dire situation. An emergency is something that requires immediate, professional attention. Something of this magnitude has critical consequences and cannot wait to be addressed. If a person is unable to function in regular activity while compromising their health and safety, the situation is an emergency. In a dental emergency, lack of prompt care could lead to further health problems.
If a patient has extreme mouth pain and swelling, there is a good chance an abscess is the culprit. This is a serious infection in the tooth’s root. It can come on if the patient has a cavity that has not been treated or by significant gum disease. If a dentist does not address this issue, the abscess can spread into other parts of the jaw and mouth.
Eventually, the infection could spread throughout the body. The dentist will kill the infection. Then, the affected tooth will be cleaned out. The dentist may be able to save the tooth if the patient acts quickly.
An accident such as a slip and fall or a vehicle collision can knock out a tooth. Injuries from playing sports and other precarious activities can also break or pop out a tooth. For cosmetic and health reasons, the person needs to call a dentist right away. A broken tooth can lead to infection. The dentist can repair the tooth with a crown, veneer or bridge.
Many people get toothaches every now and then. These could occur by eating something extremely cold or hot. However, if a person has a constant, unbearably painful toothache, it is time to see the dentist without delay. It will not likely improve on its own. This pain could mean the person has a significant cavity or infection that requires a root canal.
You may shrug off these issues as being normal, but they are anything but routine. Ignoring dental issues can bring on more severe consequences to your mouth and body. You should not have to live with pain and discomfort. The general dentist has the training and tools to help you overcome infections, tooth fractures or even missing teeth. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice any of these problems affecting you and your quality of life.
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