7 Common Signs That You Need Emergency Dental Care

7 Common Signs That You Need Emergency Dental Care

It is easy to overlook a toothache or other dental problems, hoping that they will resolve themselves. It mainly happens in cases where the problems manifest without pain. Issues that present with pain tend to call for attention since they cause discomfort. However, there are certain situations that you should not ignore. Seek emergency dental care immediately.

Here are signs to help you note those situations.

Swollen Jaw

In its advanced stages, tooth decay can move to the roots that may result in an infection that causes your jaw to swell. Sometimes the infection may also cause with fever, breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes.

If any of them symptoms occur, you need to seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will treat the infection in order to relieve your symptoms. Avoid waiting until the last minute to reduce the risk of the infection worsening.

Severe Toothache

Toothaches can cause persistent pain that can make it hard to sleep or accomplish your daily tasks. They can be due to cavities, a crack in the tooth, or an abscess. Pain can also be a result of tooth sensitivity. Treating a toothache with painkillers may work, but if the pain persists, do not continue to self-medicate instead seek medical help.

Dental Abscess

Dental abscesses are a sign of infection at the root of your tooth that can result in fever, swollen lymph glands, gum disease, or altered taste.  A doctor will need to treat the infection right away. Hence, do not trivialize it and wait until the abscess has spread to other nearby areas.

Altered Taste

The change in taste may signify that an old filling or crown has come loose or there is an infection. It may also be a combination of the two. A loose filling can attract bacteria that cause inflammation and infection, therefore, it is best to seek emergency dental care. The dentist would determine the exact problem and resolve it by prescribing treatment.

Constant Headaches

If you wake up with a headache, you may have bruxism. This condition is caused by clenching or grinding your jaw as you sleep. It may result in temporomandibular joint dysfunction which may cause inflammation in the joint connecting your upper and lower jaw or popping in your joint. It may also cause you to wake up with a stiff jaw. Seek dental care immediately if you ever have problems opening or closing your mouth normally.

Loose Tooth

A loose tooth could be a sign of bone disease. It can also be due to an injury or trauma. Avoid wait-and-see situations hoping that the tooth will become firm. There may be other underlying issues that may later cause complications; therefore, seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.

When you notice any of the above signs, try to refrain from delaying a visit with your dentist. It is better to be safe than sorry. Take care of your oral health. You will need your teeth even in your old age.

For more information on signs that you may need emergency dental care, visit Rejuvenescence Oral & Facial Surgery at our office in Duluth, Georgia. You can call (678) 562-8710 today to schedule an appointment.