8 Signs That You Need Emergency Dental Services
It’s important to recognize when dental issues are serious enough to require emergency treatment. For example, a toothache may mean only having too much coffee or a cavity in your tooth. However, if the pain worsens, you should seek emergency dental services in Peoria.
What is a Dental Emergency?
This is a situation that requires immediate attention. Many things, such as toothaches, broken teeth, and cuts on the lips or tongue, can cause dental emergencies.
Dental emergencies are usually not life-threatening. However, they can cause pain and discomfort.
What are the Signs of a Dental Emergency?
Contrary to popular belief, not all dental emergencies are created equal. Some are time-sensitive, and others can be dealt with later. Here are common signs you need to visit an emergency dentist near you.
- Broken tooth/teeth
A broken tooth means that one or more of the teeth is cracked, chipped, or have a piece missing from it. A broken tooth can also occur when biting down on something hard like ice, candy, or food. A broken tooth can cause pain and swollen face. Visit a dentist in Peoria as soon as possible so they can fix it before it becomes worse.
- Tooth Sensitivity
Infection usually causes tooth sensitivity in the teeth and gums, but there are other causes. It can be triggered by certain foods or drinks or even brushing too hard.
This condition can be very painful and sometimes even lead to an infection if left untreated
- Loose teeth
A loose tooth is a common problem for children but can also happen to adults. It happens when a tooth is not anchored firmly in its socket, or the gum around it becomes infected. The most common symptom of a loose tooth is a pain when chewing on that side of the mouth.
- Chipped teeth
Chipped teeth are a sign of tooth decay and can be painful. If you have chipped or broken teeth, it’s important to get them repaired immediately. The longer you wait to get dental care, the more likely your chipped teeth will become infected and cause further damage to the tooth itself.
- Knocked out tooth
Knocked-out teeth are the result of trauma to the mouth. The trauma may be caused by an accident or an intentional blow to the face.
The tooth is knocked out of its socket and may be broken in half. It can then be put back into the socket, but it will not heal properly if this is not done correctly. Visiting a dental office within an hour before the emergency is crucial. The dentist will try an reattach the tooth.
- Bleeding gums or mouth sores
Bleeding gums or bleeding sores on the mouth may be a sign of periodontal disease, a chronic gum infection that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is caused by plaque build-up in the gums and pockets around teeth.
If you have bleeding gums or sores on your mouth and think they might be caused by periodontitis, talk to your dentist about getting them checked out as soon as possible. A clean examination will tell the dentist what treatment plan is needed for healing.
- Swelling of the gums or jaw
Gum swelling is a common condition affecting the gums or the jaw.
The swelling may not be painful, but it may cause discomfort when chewing or brushing your teeth. There are many different treatments for gum swelling, depending on the cause. If you have swelling, see a dentist immediately so they can remove it before it spreads further into your body and causes more serious problems.
- Damage to orthodontic appliances, bridges, or crowns.
Many things can cause damage to dental appliances, bridges, or crowns. The most common cause of a dental emergency is tooth loss.
In some cases, the damage may be caused by an injury to the mouth or face. It can also be caused by excessive force on teeth when playing sports like football or hockey. Damaged orthodontic devices can damage the teeth and slow down the alignment process.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Westbrook Village Dental for more information about how to prevent dental emergencies and how to handle them when they occur.