Everyone will experience some kind of dental care concern every once in a while, such as toothaches or sensitive teeth. Most of these issues should be examined as soon as possible, but they might not require immediate attention. So with that in mind, how will you know when you absolutely need to see the emergency dentist? Keep reading to learn more about the nature of dental emergencies and how you can recognize them; that way, you won’t make the mistake of ignoring pain that could eventually turn into something much worse.
What is the Definition of a Dental Emergency?
Any oral health condition that needs timely attention from a dentist in order to prevent larger problems later can be considered a dental emergency. Some issues will have obvious causes, such as physical trauma that left many of your teeth broken or knocked out. At other times, though, you might notice pain or bleeding without realizing why it’s occurring. Ignoring any of these problems could lead to long term complications such as tooth loss or severe infections that have spread to other parts of the body; as a result, you might need more extensive or costly treatments than you would have otherwise, and your overall health could be in jeopardy.
How Do I Know My Situation is an Emergency?
An emergency situation will typically involve severe pain, a tooth that has been damaged or is otherwise at risk, or bleeding that won’t stop even after you’ve put pressure on it. Of course, not all cases are the same, so the exact symptoms will vary from person to person depending on the kind of injury or illness you’ve sustained. Common signs of dental emergencies include:
- Fractured or Broken Teeth: A tooth that has been cracked or broken might suffer further damage if you attempt to chew with it, and it could be vulnerable to a bacterial infection.
- Toothache: You shouldn’t ignore any kind of pain in your tooth, especially if it doesn’t go away after a couple of days.
- Bleeding Gums: You might not be alarmed by bleeding gums at first, but they could point towards a dangerous infection that needs immediate attention.
- Dental Abscess: If an abscess forms near the root of your tooth, you’ll be in constant pain until you receive emergency treatment.
- Knocked Out Tooth: Permanent teeth can be replanted, but the procedure will only be feasible for a short time.
In the midst of a true dental emergency, you can’t afford to be second-guessing your symptoms. Call your emergency dentist as soon as you realize that something is wrong; you can count on them to give your smile the high-quality care it deserves whenever you need it most!
About Pelican Landing Dental
The dentists at Pelican Landing Dental devote plenty of time to continuing education and advanced training so that they can offer the highest quality dental care possible. They’re always happy to offer same day appointments for patients that are suffering from severe oral pain or damaged teeth. Call our office in Bonita Springs at (239) 948-2111 if you need immediate attention; you can also get in touch with us through our website.
