Dental Emergencies: Recognize These Signs
Your teeth are some of the first things people notice every time you talk, smile, or laugh. They also play a vital part in your daily tasks, such as chewing and speaking. For this reason, you must take care of them and ensure that any oral emergency is addressed on time.
So what exactly constitutes an emergency?
When is a dental condition an emergency?
Oral emergencies are situations that need immediate attention from a dentist. In these circumstances, you shouldn’t wait for a regular dentist appointment to be seen. Instead, contact your dental care provider for urgent treatment. Emergency problems can include:
Knocked-Out Teeth
This is a situation where the tooth is completely removed from its socket. This results in excruciating pain that won’t vanish on its own. Plus, it can make eating and speaking tough. The following are a couple of reasons why this takes place:
- Falls and mishaps
- Sports-related injuries
- Severe tooth decay or trauma
Severe Toothache
While a mild to moderate toothache may not be an emergency, intense pain that doesn’t disappear can indicate a hidden issue. This could point to severe tooth decay, infection, or fracture that requires urgent attention. It’s characterized by extreme, unbearable pain in the gums or tooth area.
That’s why a family dentist suggests dental visits twice a year for professional checkups and cleanings to avoid these complications. It also allows them to spot any problems and recommend the right treatment before they become more serious.
Lost or Loose Dental Appliances
These consist of dentures, crowns, bridges, orthodontic bands, and retainers. Sometimes, these appliances can come off caused by accidents or oral problems like gum infections. It can lead to mild to severe pain, discomfort, and difficulty ingesting and talking. Your dentist may be able to return the device.
But if it is entirely lost or broken beyond repair, they may need to replace it, which can be pricey. You can read more information here if you want to know about the replacement costs for new dental equipment like Invisalign aligners.
Broken Teeth
This type of dental emergency commonly occurs after injuries or falls. A busted tooth may cause bleeding, swelling, and immeasurable pain. If it’s not addressed at once, it can result in more complications, such as infection.
Infection
This is a major dental emergency that can rapidly intensify if left untreated. A severe infection in the gums or tooth area can cause excruciating pain, high temperature, and swelling. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention from a reputable dental care center to avoid significant complications.
Pain While on Invisalign or Traditional Braces Treatment
If you are using dental braces, unexpected and constant pain can be an indication of a problem. It may indicate that the wires or brackets have shifted and need to be adjusted. It may also mean that there is a gum infection that must be attended to. Actually, this is just one of the possible risks that patients with traditional braces face if they don’t carry out good oral hygiene.
Similarly, Invisalign treatment can cause pain if the aligners are not accurately adjusted. You must reach out to your dentist for immediate assistance in such cases. Also, it’s always a good idea to select a qualified and experienced Azure Dental Invisalign provider in San Francisco to receive quality oral services.
In Conclusion
Dental emergencies can be uncomfortable and painful, affecting everyday activities like eating and speaking. You should find immediate medical treatment from a qualified, experienced dentist whenever you experience any of these problems to avoid further complications and ensure that your dental health is preserved in the long term.