A dental emergency is any dental problem requiring immediate treatment to relieve pain, stop bleeding and save a tooth. Unexpected dental problems should not be left to chance. If left unattended, they may cost you a tooth or lead to oral and systemic body health problems. Continue reading and find out if you should call the
emergency dentist in Oak Lawn or not.
Is It a True Dental Emergency?
Are you uncertain whether or not your dental problem is an emergency? Answers to the questions below will help.
- Are you in severe ongoing pain not relieved by medication?
- Do your gums have knots, swelling, or bulges?
- Are you bleeding from the oral tissues?
- Has there been a dental trauma?
- Is your mouth or facial area swollen?
- Have your teeth been knocked out or become loose?
- Do you have a metallic taste in your mouth?
Positive answers to any of the questions above state the probability of a dental emergency. Immediately contact the dental experts at Forrest Tower DDS. Describe your symptoms in detail. If you have had dental trauma, explain what has happened. It will enable the dentist to give you appropriate first aid instructions.
Signs of a Dental Emergency
- Toothache
Not all toothaches are dental emergencies. Unexplained, persistent, or severe toothache that increases in severity is an emergency. Contact an
emergency dentist near you if the pain is accompanied by fever and swelling in the mouth or face. Seek immediate dental care if you have severe tooth sensitivity or pain in a tooth when biting down.
- Bleeding
Bleeding after dental trauma or oral surgery is expected. However, it is an emergency if the bleeding does not stop when the dental expert said it would.
Call the dentist right away to help eradicate the bleeding and treat its cause.
Extreme, continuous bleeding from the gums constitutes a dental emergency. Coupled with bad breath, pain, and swelling, you may have periodontal disease. Visit the dentist immediately for treatment.
- Swelling
Unexplained swelling in the mouth or face requires the attention of an emergency dentist. Swelling signifies an infection around the swollen area. Oral infections are potentially life-threatening. This is because the condition can get into the bloodstream quickly.
- Knocked out, cracked, or broken tooth
Dental trauma may leave you with a cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth. You must call the emergency dentist in Oak Lawn ASAP for first aid instructions. Handling a knocked-out tooth well will protect its tissues. Getting to the dental practice within 30 minutes of your injury will help save your tooth.
If your tooth is cracked or broken, inquire from your dentist what to do. The location and severity of the crack determine whether you need emergency treatment. First, call your
dentist 60453 with the details. The specialist will direct you to wait or rush to the dental practice for immediate attention.
- A lost filling or crown
Most people do not think it is a big deal if a
dental crown or filling falls out or breaks. However, it is considered a dental emergency. This is because the broken or missing crown or filling may leave the tooth roots exposed to bacteria. As a result, you may have an abscess or an infection that may cost you the tooth. To prevent such problems, rush to the emergency dentist near you without delay.
- Dental abscess
An abscess is indicated by fever, terrible taste in the mouth, swollen gland, and bumps or pimples on the gums. Seek medical attention immediately once you notice these symptoms. When untreated, bacteria in the abscesses spread to surrounding gum and teeth tissues. Over time, the infection can even spread to the blood leading to severe problems in the body.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Emergencies cannot be ultimately prevented since they are sudden and unexpected. However, you may take some precautions to protect yourself from dental emergencies. You may:
- Use a mouthguard during that sport you participate in. it will help prevent knocking out or damaging your tooth in case of dental trauma.
- Watch what you chew on since hard foods or objects can crack or break your teeth.
- Attend routine dental checkups by a dentist in Oak Lawn, IL. The dental specialists will ensure that you do not have decay that could cause you toothache or dental abscesses. Also, the dentist will check for loose or broken crowns and fillings and restore or repair them.
