Toothaches, abscesses, and bleeding gums can be excruciatingly painful, especially if you attempt to nurse a dental problem on your own at home. Knowing what a dental emergency is essential. Thus, if you are unsure whether you should, then call Lovett Dental Corpus Christi. We can offer you and your family the emergency and general dentistry services you need.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
When you know the difference between a dental emergency and a less urgent matter, you can make the right call to your dentist for any emergency treatment you require.
Tooth Abscesses and Infections
Abscesses and infections are the biggest dental emergencies that require immediate attention, especially for prolonged infections and abscesses that have gone untreated for weeks, months, or even years. Treating a tooth abscess or bacterial infection is necessary immediately to prevent the dangerous spread of infection to other areas of the body, including the brain, heart, and lungs.
Toothaches and dead tooth nerves may cause infections or abscesses in the mouth, especially if you have not gone to your local dentist for treatment.
Even if you believe your infection has passed and you are no longer in pain, it is highly advisable to reach out to your dentist to ensure you do not require additional treatment or preventative care.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums may also constitute an emergency, especially if you are experiencing serious pain throughout your day. If the bleeding in your gums is uncontrollable, call your dentist immediately.
While bleeding gums may be a sign of gum disease, such as periodontal disease, they can also indicate a bigger, deeper issue that involves your overall oral health.
Loss of Teeth
If you are an adult who is experiencing tooth loss without an apparent cause, seek emergency dental services. Losing a tooth as an adult without physical trauma or another diagnosed medical ailment can mean that you are struggling with a vitamin deficiency or even an underlying medical condition that requires addressing.
If your teeth become loose or begin to fall out unexpectedly, contact your dentist right away to schedule an appointment for a checkup as well as a complete X-ray of your mouth. If you have a loose tooth, but it is not interfering with your ability to brush, floss, chew, and swallow, this may not be a dental emergency.
Cracked or Damaged Teeth
Cracked or damaged teeth can also warrant an emergency dental visit, especially if the cracked or damaged teeth disrupt your daily life or interfere with your ability to chew, speak, swallow, or breathe properly. Our dentists can repair damaged teeth with dental veneers or, if the damage is severe, tooth extraction.
Physical trauma like falls and other accidents may cause cracks or other damage to teeth. A cracked or broken tooth may indicate an underlying issue such as a vitamin D deficiency or another medical condition that requires immediate attention in more serious instances.
Issues with Braces or Orthodontic Gear
Problems with dental braces or other orthodontic gear may warrant an emergency dental office visit, depending on the severity of the issue. If your braces or other gear has begun to interfere with your ability to chew, talk, swallow, or breathe comfortably, contact your local orthodontist or family dentist immediately.
Dental Issues That Are Not Emergencies
Now that you have learned about emergency dental issues, it is also important to know what problems can wait for a regular appointment. Some of the most common non-urgent dental procedures and issues include mild cavities, dental cleanings, regular dental checkups, and X-rays, especially if you are not in pain or dire need of relief.
Crown implant work, removals, and even cavity fillings are also not considered emergencies as they do not typically impact or threaten your everyday life.
Are you struggling with a major toothache, bleeding gums, or another dental issue that interferes with your everyday life? Call Lovett Dental Corpus Christi at 361-986-1117 for prompt emergency dental services.
