You might be living with an oral issue and not know it. A study shows that nearly half the world’s population suffers from one form of dental challenge. This proves that most “dental flaws” are dental emergencies that may have severe implications.
Dental emergencies are like “a ticking time bomb” waiting to explode. Even the seemingly harmless orofacial challenges usually become malignant when they progress. Thus, seeing an emergency dentist immediately may be the only way to prevent lasting damage.
This article aims to help you identify the common dental issues that may seem harmless but can lead to serious health complications if not treated immediately. So, if you experience any of these seven major dental issues, it’s time to see an emergency dentist.
1. Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth is a dental emergency waiting to happen. It might not cause any significant discomfort in the early stages until the crack intensifies with time. This is when you may start experiencing minor aches when brushing, eating, or speaking. It’s only a matter of time before the tooth breaks.
Besides the reduction in visual appeal, breaking a tooth suddenly can be excruciatingly painful. The broken edges may poke your gum, causing intense bleeding. Therefore, you must see an emergency dentist once you discover a crack to prevent complications from a sudden break.
2. Bleeding Gum
Bleeding gum? Everyone has experienced it at least once. From brushing a bit too intensely to poking your mouth with toothpicks, simple accidents lead to bruises to the gum daily.
When these accidents occur, applying pressure to the injured gum can stop the bleeding. However, if the bleeding won’t stop despite your attempts, you may have a dental emergency.
Severe bleeding may signal a tooth or gum infection. Contacting a an experinced and expert local emergency dentist can help stop the bleeding, detect the cause of the problem, and offer lasting solutions. For example if you reside in Levittown, you must visit the best emergency dentist Levittown[GU1] like White Hill Dentist for all dental emergencies. White Hill Dental is your trusted destination for cosmetic, family, orthodontic, and pediatric dentistry, proudly serving the Levittown, PA community.
3. Loose or Knocked-out Tooth
If you’ve just been in an accident and your tooth has fallen out or become loose, you must act quickly. Dental emergencies require fast action to ensure a quick solution.
Losing your tooth as an adult can be frustrating. However, there’s hope if the tooth loss is fresh. You can reimplant an ejected tooth successfully within an hour of the accident.
Ensure to preserve the tooth and seek immediate dental attention. An emergency dentist can help you put the loose or knocked-out tooth in place without complications.
4. Dental Trauma
The most obvious sign of a dental emergency is dental trauma. From contact sports to brawls, it’s not uncommon for people to receive blows to the face, mouth, or teeth. A study shows that sporting activities constitute one-third of all dental traumas.
Besides sports, domestic accidents such as bathroom slips or staircase falls can cause significant orofacial injuries. You must see an emergency dentist regardless of the obvious signs of bleeding.
Upon meeting an emergency dentist, they will run checks and scans for internal bleeding or fractures. Only then can you know the full extent of the damage. The quick intervention of a dentist can help you prevent severe dental issues that may not surface immediately.
5. Swollen Face and Mouth
Many dental issues appear as swellings in the mouth or gums. However, some take place in the neck and face. These dental emergencies are tricky to handle. Besides the swelling, you may not find signs of bleeding or fracture.
Without quick medical intervention, these swellings may spread to other parts, obstructing the airways. Fortunately, an emergency dentist can help you detect the cause of the swelling and prevent further damage to your vital organs.
6. Tooth Abscess
Dental or tooth abscess is one of the most painful and malignant health challenges in the gum and surrounding areas. It occurs when the gum becomes filled with pus and begins to swell. It can be extremely uncomfortable, causing excruciating tooth, gum, and mouth aches.
Many who suffer from this dental problem typically experience insomnia as the pain intensifies at night. At its worst, a dental abscess can lead to life-threatening health complications if not treated soon.
The bacteria from the pus can spread to other parts of the body, including the jawbone, neck, and face. It can also migrate to the heart and brain without immediate dental intervention. As soon as your gum starts to swell, seek the services of an emergency dentist. It could save your life.
7. Foreign Objects in the Teeth
Foreign objects like bones or toothpicks stay within the teeth during meals. There might also be plastics, wood debris, or metals in your teeth if you work in fields or construction. If you struggle to take them out, you might have a dental emergency on your hands.
The longer a foreign object stays in the body, the more it causes pain. At this point, avoid forcefully extracting them from your mouth. Forceful removal of foreign bodies can lead to injuries to the gum or dental trauma. See an emergency dentist immediately for a safe and seamless extraction of objects.
Consult Emergency Dentist Today
Dental emergencies come in various forms. While some may only bring mild discomfort, others can be excruciatingly hurtful. Regardless of the level of discomfort you might experience, you must not underestimate them.
See an emergency dentist if your gums, face, or mouth are swollen. If you just lost a tooth in an accident or your gums are bleeding severely, you need immediate dental attention.
Not only can an emergency dentist help you stop the pain, but they can also prevent the issue from spreading to other parts. Don’t wait until you see tell-tale signs; consult an emergency dentist today.
