10 Signs You Need Emergency Dentistry Services

Dental emergencies can be scary, especially if they’re painful. However, not all dental emergencies are equally urgent. Some require immediate treatment, while others can wait. It’s important that you understand the differences if something happens on the weekend or outside of normal dental office hours. So how can you tell if it’s a minor problem or a real emergency? Here are 10 signs you need emergency dentistry services. 

1. Loose tooth

As an adult you should never experience loose teeth. A loose tooth can be a result of an injury, perhaps from a sports-related accident. You may want to seek emergency dentistry services to have a dentist check for any nerve or jaw damage. Loose teeth can also be caused by an infection. The earlier you get treatment the better, so you can prevent the infection from spreading.

2. Severe toothache 

The severity of your toothache can be a sign that it’s time to seek out emergency dentistry services. If your toothache pain gets increasingly worse and the pain lingers after sensitivity to temperature or touch, see your dentist as soon as possible.

3. Bleeding gums

While minor gum bleeding after you floss isn’t a cause for concern, if the bleeding is excessive and painful, it’s a sign something is wrong. This could indicate signs of gum disease or gingivitis. Catching gum disease early is key to keeping your gums and teeth healthy. 

4. Swollen jaw

A swollen jaw is a serious sign of infection. If you are experiencing a swollen jaw, along with a bad taste in your mouth, fever, trouble breathing or swallowing you should seek emergency dentistry services immediately. 

5. Dental abscess

An abscessed tooth is a very painful infection, usually found at the root of your tooth. It is caused by an untreated cavity, severe gum disease, or trauma like a chipped tooth. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include a fever, a foul taste in your mouth, and swollen glands. You may require surgery to treat it properly.

6. Canker sores that don’t heal

Canker sores are relatively normal, but can be a cause for concern if they don’t heal or become infected.

7. Constant headaches

If your headaches have become chronic and recurring it could be a sign of a serious condition. You may have bruxism, or grinding of your teeth, which can cause teeth sensitivity and wear down enamel. Treatment can sometimes be as simple as wearing a mouth guard at night.

8. Numbness

Numbness in your tooth could  be a sign that an infection has spread to the root of your tooth. Pay close attention to your toothaches, as they can indicate a potential major issue that requires emergency care.

9. Feeling excessively tired

Exhaustion can be due to many factors, but being consistently tired could be a sign of an oral infection. It’s a good idea to visit your dentist to make sure your exhaustion isn’t caused by an abscessed tooth or gum disease.

10. Your mouth tastes like metal

If you’ve had a metal filling and your mouth tastes like metal, it can be a sign that your old filling has cracked or become loose. It’s important to seek emergency dental care, as an open filling can leave your tooth prone to new infections and cavities. 

At Great Expressions, our doctors can assist with any of your dental emergencies, with access anytime, anywhere. They can typically help prevent most dental emergencies by treating your conditions, and help you maintain a lifelong plan for proper oral health. Visit us today to learn more about our emergency dentistry services.