Dental Emergencies
None of us hope to run into a dental emergency, but they can happen at anytime and anyplace. Whether it’s a recurring toothache, a knocked out tooth, or a dental trauma, having a dentist capable of emergency dental care gives great peace of mind during a time when you have plenty of other things to worry about.
Dental emergencies tend to happen at the worst possible times and in the worst possible places, so being a patient of a dental practice like Westside Family Dental — which is readily prepared to deal with such emergencies — is crucial towards taking care of those emergencies as quickly and effectively as possible.
Below are a few signs that you might be in need of emergency dental care:
A loose tooth
When you’re a kid, a loose tooth means an exciting trip from the tooth fairy. When you’re an adult, it’s considerably less fun. It could mean a tooth injury, nerve or jaw damage, a localized infection, or any other number of problems. Regardless, you should check with your dentist, because it’s better to be safe than sorry.
A severe toothache
If you have a minor toothache, there are a handful of home remedies that could help you. But if you have a severe toothache or one that refuses to go away, you should see your dentist. It could be one of some issues, and even if it doesn’t require a major procedure, it could mean you need to change your oral healthcare routine.
Bleeding and aching gums
Seeing your gums bleed after you floss can happen to those who don’t floss regularly enough. But if you experience excessive bleeding in your gums — or your gums are left in pain — you may be experiencing common signs of gum disease. And for that, you would need a professional.
A swollen jaw
If you have a swollen jaw and are experiencing a fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, and have a bad taste in your mouth, you should contact your dentist immediately. These could be the signs of a salivary gland infection.
Dental Abscess
An abscessed tooth is a painful infection, typically found at the root of your tooth, so any signs of a dental abscess should have you on your way to the dentist for an emergency appointment.