Are You Experiencing A Dental Emergency?
Posted on: 16 September 2022
Experiencing sudden tooth pain can be cause for alarm. It can be difficult for the average person to determine whether this pain can be addressed with a routine dental appointment, or if the pain is indicative of a true dental emergency.
Being able to understand when you are experiencing a dental emergency can help you seek out the right type of dental care needed to resolve any issues with your teeth.
The following warning signs should be taken seriously, and you should seek immediate dental assistance if you experience any of them in the future.
Severe Pain
You should always try to identify your pain level when you experience any oral discomfort. Mild pain can usually be attributed to a cavity or other minor dental issues. Severe pain is much more troublesome.
Constant, sharp, and throbbing pain can indicate that you have an exposed nerve. The nerve inside of a tooth can become exposed as a result of damage or decay. If you don't treat this issue right away, the pain will continue to worsen and you may develop an infection.
Severe pain is always a sign that you should seek emergency dental care.
Swelling
Swelling accompanies serious dental issues. Any tooth that has become infected has the potential to cause swelling in the jaw, neck, or cheek. This swelling is the result of your immune system sending out cells to help fight infection.
Fighter cells work to contain the bacteria so that it doesn't spread to the surrounding tissue. The result is visible swelling in the area where the infection originated.
Dental infections have the potential to be life-threatening, so always seek immediate dental help when you notice swelling start to appear.
Bleeding
Your gums should never bleed unless they have sustained some type of trauma. If you notice gum bleeding, you should visit an emergency dentist.
Gum disease is the most common cause of bleeding gums. If left untreated, gum disease has the potential to cause infection to spread throughout the body. An emergency dentist can perform a deep cleaning to remove any underlying infection causing your gums to bleed.
You will need to follow up with a periodontist to receive additional treatment and ensure that the infection doesn't return.
Emergency dental care can provide life-saving treatment for serious oral health issues. Reach out for emergency help as soon as you notice any severe tooth pain, swelling, or bleeding of the gums.
For more information, contact a company like Rabel Family Dentistry.
Share