Does Your Dental Problem Justify Emergency Care?

If you suddenly start having a problem with your oral health, you may be wondering if it is an issue that you should wait and have your normal dentist treat, or if you should seek out the help of emergency dental services. Here are a few problems that are worth getting emergency care to help treat.

Missing or Broken Tooth

The problem with a tooth that Is broken or missing is that all of those nerve endings inside the tooth are now exposed to the air and various temperatures. It can actually cause damage to the roots that is irreparable, which will cause a problem with replacement or repair of the socket. Anytime you lose a tooth, you'll want to visit an emergency dentist ASAP to help restore your smile. If you still have the tooth, try to keep it moist by putting it in your mouth, or a small cup of your saliva or milk.

Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess problem may be causing you a lot of pain due to an infection. That tooth abscess is actually releasing bacteria into the body through your bloodstream and saliva, which eventually can cause a problem with your respiratory system, ears, or sinuses. This is definitely a problem that requires immediate attention to prevent that abscess from spreading further and causing more damage.

Jaw Pain

If you have jaw pain that has come on suddenly, chances are that it is not due to teeth grinding or TMJ. It's more likely that you have an infection or a tooth that is cracked. You can visit an emergency dentist that will take x-rays of your jaw to find out what is going on, which will help them come up with a plan to correct your jaw pain.

Bleeding or Swollen Gums

It is not normal for gums to swell or bleed, since it only happens when there is irritation caused by tooth decay or an infection. Gums that bleed or are swollen tend to cause your saliva to taste bitter, which is an indication that you have hum disease or gingivitis. It's a problem that can be caused by receding gums, but it can also be caused by poor oral health or brushing too hard. This is a problem that you don't want to put off until your next cleaning with your dentist. Have it treated sooner rather than later to avoid complications to your oral health.