An estimated 90 percent of Americans experience dental problems at some point based on recent reports from the medical sector. Those can range from cavities and sores in the mouth to severe toothaches and gum disease. Some people panic over minor issues, automatically assuming they're signs of serious problems. Others ignore problems that require immediate attention and ultimately regret that decision later on. Understanding which dental issues are considered emergencies can help you avoid going to either extreme.
Severe Toothaches
Severe toothaches are certainly considered dental emergencies. They're overbearing, and they can interfere with your daily life. Beyond that, teeth only hurt if something is wrong. In most cases, a serious toothache is a sign of an infection. That infection isn't going to go away on its own. It'll continue to get worse and may spread from the gums to other areas of the body, like the sinus cavities, face, and heart. Don't try to power through a severe toothache. Make an emergency appointment with an eastern Idaho dentist as quickly as possible.
Broken and Knocked-Out Teeth
Broken and knocked-out teeth are also dental emergencies. They can happen for any number of reasons, including falls, sports injuries, work-related injuries, and automobile accidents to name a few. Regardless of the cause, if a tooth gets cracked, broken, or knocked out, visit an Idaho Falls dentist right away. The dentist may be able to repair or replace the tooth. He or she can also check for unseen injuries to the gums, jawbones, and other tissues of the mouth. Those injuries may not be immediately obvious, but they can lead to serious issues if they're not treated.
Swelling in the Mouth and Face
Swelling in the mouth and face is an emergency as well. This is usually a sign of an infection or abscess. An abscess is a pocket of infection in the teeth, gums, or jawbones. In many cases, abscesses and other infections cause obvious swelling in the affected area, and it can appear as though it's in the face or under the chin. Sometimes, though, infections and abscesses cause no noticeable swelling at all. Instead, they may cause severe tooth pain or bite issues. Anytime there's swelling or other signs of infection in your mouth, see an Idaho dentist immediately.
Taking Care of Dental Emergencies
Deciding whether a dental issue is an emergency or not isn't always easy. In general, if you're in pain, you have noticeable swelling, or you have a broken or knocked-out tooth, it's an emergency situation that requires immediate care. Don't hesitate to book an appointment with a dentist for problems like these or others that seem out of the ordinary.
Comments
Post a Comment