One moment you are playing basketball with your colleagues, and the next, you are crumpled up on the floor in pain from a knocked-out tooth. Suppose your next dentist appointment is in three weeks, do you wait that long? Or do you turn to Bellevue emergency dentistry? In this post, we highlight six signs you might need to see an emergency dentist immediately.
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You Are in Severe Pain
You don’t have to rush to the emergency room in the middle of the night for a mild toothache. You could easily manage the pain at home with natural remedies and visit your dentist the following day. However, if your toothache is so severe, it affects your ability to speak, eat, or sleep, you may need to see an emergency dentist. This is especially true if the pain is coupled with other severe symptoms.
You Broke Your Tooth
While a slightly chipped tooth may not be cause for alarm, a completely broken one could necessitate an emergency visit to the dentist. Seeing an emergency dentist promptly will not only help alleviate your pain but could also improve your chances of having the tooth restored. Remember to soak the tooth in a glass of milk if it falls out to preserve the nerve endings.
Your Gums Are Bleeding
Bleeding gums could be a sign of a serious infection, such as periodontal disease, which could be treated if caught early. If you notice bleeding while eating or brushing your teeth, contact your dentist immediately, especially if the bleeding is continuous, extreme, or accompanied by pain. Your dentist will get to the root of the cause and prescribe an ideal treatment.
Your Jaw Is Swollen
A swollen jaw or mouth could be indicative of several conditions such as swollen lymph nodes, gum disease, or an infection. It could also be a sign of cancer, although this is extremely rare. Because there is no way to pinpoint the exact reason from the comfort of your home, the best course of action would be to see your dentist promptly.
Your Mouth Tastes Like Metal
If you have a tooth filling, tasting metal in your mouth could signify that your filling or crown has loosened, and you likely need it fixed. Ignoring this symptom could worsen the condition from a loose filling to cavities or an infection, which could require a root canal. In essence, taking quick action will save you from pain and save your money.
Your Mouth Feels Numb
If you were experiencing a severe toothache and suddenly your mouth goes numb, you may have a dental emergency. Numbness in the mouth could be a sign that an infection has spread to your roots or that an absence is affecting your nerve roots, which could lead to further problems such as cavities. A visit to the dentist will help identify and fix the problem promptly.
Consult a Dental Specialist Today
Any moment, a sensitive tooth could turn into debilitating pain, your gums could begin bleeding as you brush your teeth, or you could suffer a knocked-out tooth. All of these situations could constitute a medical emergency, which will require the attention of an expert.
If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact EZ Dental Clinic in Bellevue to discuss your symptoms with Ilya Miloslavskiy, DDS, and Jasmine Bassali, DDS.