Unfortunately, some people are so averse to dental care that they ignore their dental issues and let them get worse. What does that lead to? Needing emergency dental care.
And emergency dental care can be scary, but it’s an important part of dental care as it’s critical to not let those issues get any worse or they may cause permanent damage. Instead, emergency dental care should be sought out immediately, but how do you know when it’s time to look for that kind of care? Here are a few signs that you should seek emergency dental care right away and get your dental problems sorted out.
Persistent Toothaches
If you experience unbearable tooth pain, it’s time to visit a specialist who can help you out. Don’t try to ignore the issue by using painkillers or other pills, toothaches require immediate attention. Here are the two big concerns when we talk about toothaches:
“Alive nerve” in tooth rot: wherein your teeth become sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks because of the soreness and inflammation happening. That inflamed nerve is the cause of that temperature sensitivity.
“Dead nerve” tooth rot: a much more severe type of pain and can even form an abscess at the end of the tooth rot. When this kind of toothache goes untreated, it can snowball into a much more serious dental health issue.
There are other causes of tooth pain that may be less severe like tooth decay or gum disease. Either way, you don’t want to play around with emergency dental care, so get into your dentist’s office as soon as you start to feel pain.
Knocked Out Teeth
If you ever get a tooth knocked out, you should be happy to hear that a dentist can still re-insert that tooth if the right steps are taken. Pick the tooth up from its top and avoid touching the root area. Then, rinse it gently (don’t scrub it!), and be sure not to remove any of the tissue attached to the tooth. You can try to place the tooth back into the socket very gently, but if you want to play it safe, store the tooth in a cup of milk until you can get to the dentist. Which you should do quickly, as the faster you get to the dentist, the more likely it is that they will be able to re-insert your tooth.
Cracked/Fractured Tooth
The impact of biting down on something hard, like bones, can actually crack your teeth. Usually, these damaged teeth can be fixed if you deal with the problem immediately. However, sometimes a root canal will be required for more serious damage.
Abscessed Tooth
Abscessed teeth are serious, painful infections. They can even spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. Abscesses develop in the root of a tooth, or sometimes between the gum and tooth, and will cause a painful swelling in your gums that looks almost like a pimple. You can rinse your mouth out with mild salt water to help alleviate some pain in the short term, but this is an emergency dental need.
Catonsville Dental Care Can Handle All of Your Oral Care Needs
Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and a commitment to comfort, safety, and relaxation, you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube.