4 Signs You Need to Go to an Emergency Dentist Right Away
It is important to understand which injuries require visiting an emergency dentist in order to ensure you have the healthiest smile possible! Many patients forget that their teeth are just as important as any other bone in their body, so it is crucial they are seen by a medical professional the moment they sustain any trauma or injury. However, it can be quite confusing to differentiate a typical injury from one that needs emergency care, so here are some clues you need to visit an emergency dentist right away.
A tooth has been cracked or broken
Anyone can easily crack a tooth, and whether it was sustained in a sporting game, a car accident, or simply chewing a hard piece of candy, you need to visit a dentist right away. A cracked or broken tooth is highly susceptible to tooth decay or even a root infection, which will happen within hours of going untreated.
A tooth has come out fully
If your tooth has been knocked out completely, contact a dentist right away. When this happens make sure not to touch the roots and to keep the tooth moist, submerge it in a glass of milk until your appointment. Additionally, a cold compress will work to stop any bleeding from your gums.
Your toothache keeps you up at night
A slight toothache is quite normal, as at least 20% of Americans have one or more untreated cavities. But if you have a toothache that doesn’t go away after taking pain relief medication, is sore to the touch, makes eating difficult, and keeps you awake at night due to the pain, contact your dentist immediately.
A persistent headache
Have you had a splitting headache that hasn’t gone away for a few weeks? This is a sign you need to contact your dentist right away as you could be suffering from an abscess, inflamed roots, or severe infection. You also could be grinding your teeth while you sleep, which can wear down the protective enamel of your teeth.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, please contact our dental professionals today. From tooth removal to affordable dentures and dental implants, our emergency dentists will make sure you have the best smile possible!