Usually, a visit to the dentist requires that you book the appointment ahead of time. But in some cases, dental concerns may need immediate medical attention. That said, because dental care can be pretty expensive, a quick online search for “dentist near me, no insurance” will lead you to an affordable practitioner in your area.
It’s essential to know how to handle any medical emergency, and to do this; you’ll need to know when a dental concern is an emergency. We’ve listed some of the more common dental emergencies.
Severe Pain Or Bleeding
Severe pain and/or extreme bleeding in the mouth is usually the result of a physical injury. Any injury to the face and mouth can be severe and will need immediate medical attention. If you have experienced an injury, call your dentist right away or consult a local general practitioner to assist as soon as possible.
On the other hand, severe pain and bleeding can also be caused by gingivitis, otherwise known as gum disease. In this case, pain onset will be gradual, gums are discolored and inflamed, and minor bleeding is also present.
Gingivitis is typically the result of poor oral hygiene. Other causes include possible medication side effects, smoking tobacco products, indulging in alcohol, diabetes, chronic stress, and hormonal imbalance. Because there are several different causes, it’s essential to visit your dentist right away before the symptoms of gingivitis worsen.
Loose Teeth
If you have sustained an injury and one or more teeth feel loose after that, you will need to visit your dentist. Even if your teeth seem to be in place, there might be damage to the jawline if they feel loose. Depending on the damage, you might need a surgical tooth extraction.
A Swollen Jaw
A swollen jaw is sometimes a sign of pericoronitis, which refers to infection and inflammation of a particular part of your gums. This infection is often present in the gum tissue surrounding wisdom teeth and typically in the bottom wisdom teeth.
Sometimes, when these wisdom teeth emerge through the gums, they get stuck, often from a lack of space that restricts growth. As a result, gum tissue remains on top of the tooth, and it’s tricky to clean; food can get trapped beneath the layer of gum, and bacteria will fester.
It’s critical to consult an emergency dentist to have the gum flap surgically removed. Moreover, you might need a wisdom tooth extraction as well.
Dental Abscess
An abscessed tooth is a harrowing dental problem that’s also pretty common. This is a severe type of dental infection that has made its way to the tooth’s root.
An abscess can cause a fever, swelling, sensitivity, inflammation, and extreme pain. It’s vital to seek emergency dental care to prevent the infection from spreading further. If neglected, the infection can spread to the jaw and even to other parts of the body.
Emergency care for an abscessed tooth will include fillings or extraction. In some cases, root canal therapy is relevant, while antibiotics are essential for recovery.
Whether you have a loose tooth or you’re experiencing discomfort, it’s always best to consult your dentist right away. In the event that your concern is not an emergency, your dentist will recommend at-home solutions and book a regular appointment.