According to the World Health Organization, about one billion people worldwide sustain an oro-dental trauma. There’s a prevalence of about 20% of children up to 12 years old. These accidents can cause developmental complications.
Without treatment, you could sustain tooth loss, leading to more oral health complications. Dental emergencies can also affect a patient’s quality of life.
Despite this high prevalence, many people don’t realize when they need urgent dental care. When’s the right time to get emergency dental in Florence, KY?
You Have a Loose Tooth
With good oral health, permanent adult teeth should remain stable. Healthy teeth allow you to chew and speak normally. If you have a tooth that feels wiggly or loose within its socket, it could indicate a serious problem.
Your tooth may become loose within its socket if you have periodontitis (the advanced stage of gum disease). Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums due to a bacterial infection. Gingivitis and periodontitis are major causes of tooth loss in adults (American Dental Association).
Our gums attach to each tooth at the sulcus. Food, saliva, and bacteria can mix together to form plaque; a tacky, clear substance that sticks to our teeth. When plaque gets trapped in the sulcus, an infection can form.
Without treatment, gingivitis causes the gums to separate from your teeth. This causes injury to the soft tissue and bone that supports teeth. Your teeth could become loose and unstable before falling out due to infection.
Seek 24/7 dental services if you experience symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis. These can include:
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Partial dentures no longer fitting
- Foul-smelling breath
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Gums that pull away from teeth
- Gums that bleed when you brush/floss
- Malocclusion (a change in your bite)
- Pain when chewing
- Pus between the teeth and gums
Visit an emergency dentist in Florence before your gingivitis progresses. Otherwise, your risk of lung disease, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes could increase.
Your teeth may become loose after a car or sporting accident. Trauma can damage the tooth or jaw, loosening your tooth from the socket.
Once a tooth becomes loose, the problem won’t resolve itself. Seek emergency dental care to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Otherwise, the tooth will get looser, leading to tooth loss.
Your Gums Are Bleeding
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? Perhaps they look red and swollen. Remember, these symptoms could indicate you have gum disease.
During its initial stages, gum disease doesn’t require urgent dental care. However, you should still seek treatment before the infection progresses.
Your gums may start bleeding due to lacerations or oro-dental trauma. Seek 24/7 dental services right away.
Let your dentist know if the amount or frequency of bleeding increases. This could indicate there’s a bigger issue. Visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible if bleeding is accompanied by:
- Fever
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Chills
You may have a more serious infection, such as a dental abscess. The problem won’t be resolved on its own.
You Have a Severe Toothache
Tooth pain that occurs occasionally usually isn’t a dental emergency. You can usually wait until your next dental appointment to determine the cause. However, you should seek urgent dental care if your toothache:
- Lasts more than one or two days
- Is accompanied by severe pain or discomfort
- Causes difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Wakes you up at night
- Is accompanied by a fever
These symptoms could indicate substantial damage from an infected tooth or untreated cavity. About 26% of adults ages 20 to 44 have untreated dental cavities (CDC). Another 25.3% of adults ages 45 to 64 require treatment.
Untreated cavities and infected teeth require immediate dental care. Your Union, KY dentist will determine the root cause of your symptoms. Treatment can provide dental pain relief and reduce the need for tooth extraction.
Your Jaw is Swollen
A swollen jaw could indicate a serious sign of an infection. For example, you could have an infection of the salivary glands. Visit an emergency dentist if your swollen jaw is accompanied by:
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Fever
Salivary gland infections are bacterial infections caused by salivary gland blockages. The blockage will prevent saliva from doing its job. You could struggle to swallow properly.
This type of infection is uncommon. However, it can become serious if you delay seeking treatment.
You Have a Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a painful infection. It builds at the root of your tooth due to damage (such as a chip or break) or trauma. It can also develop due to an untreated cavity or gum disease.
An abscess won’t heal on its own. You’ll require professional treatment, such as a root canal. Otherwise, the infection will spread to your jaw and gums.
The tooth will decay until it either falls out or requires extraction. Before that happens, visit your North Kentucky family dentist. Let them know if you have a fever or notice a foul taste in your mouth.
Your dentist will drain the infection. Immediate treatment can help you avoid losing the tooth.
A Stubborn Canker Sore
Canker sores are white mouth ulcers. They develop on soft tissues, such as your tongue, gums, or cheek. They usually go away in a week or two.
However, you should visit an emergency dentist if the canker sore:
- Is accompanied by fever or swelling
- Makes eating or drinking difficult
- Is large or gets bigger
- Doesn’t go away
These symptoms may indicate a bigger issue, such as a chronic condition or infection. Seek immediate treatment to avoid serious health complications.
Choose Emergency Dental in Florence, KY
Do any of these dental emergencies sound familiar? Don’t hesitate to seek emergency dental in Florence, KY. Receiving immediate treatment can help you avoid complications, including a serious infection or lost teeth.
Our team at Toothologie is committed to building lasting relationships with patients. We’ll develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.
Trust our friendly staff, state-of-the-art facility, and expertise to gain a confident, healthy smile. Contact us now for your consultation.
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