Are you guilty of avoiding the dentist, even when you are in pain? This can be a very dangerous thing to do. You should get your teeth checked regularly, but sometimes, it’s much more serious and you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
How do you know when things are getting serious? Here are some of the symptoms that mean you need to make an appointment immediately.
You Lose a Tooth
An adult losing a tooth is never a good sign. If your tooth has fallen out or was knocked out, take the tooth to the dentist within the next few hours. Your dentist will let you know over the phone how to preserve the tooth until you can get to see them. This is quite time-sensitive if the tooth is salvageable.
You Have Serious Pain
A toothache is never very pleasant, but worse, it means something is wrong. You should make an appointment as soon as you have any kind of pain. However, if you have severe pain that keeps you up at night or causes pain to radiate to your neck and jaw, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. If the pain is accompanied by swelling or a fever, get to the dentist right away.
Your Tooth is Cracked or Broken
A broken or cracked tooth is vulnerable to infection and can allow bacteria to get inside your tooth. This can cause all sorts of issues, including cavities on the inside of your tooth. Don’t delay getting dental attention, since even a few weeks can mean the tooth will be more difficult to save.
You Have a Lump
If there is a lump or bulge in your mouth, particularly on the gums at the base of a tooth, you should talk to your dentist. This can be a sign of an abscess and you need to have it treated soon. The longer the infection festers, the more likely it is to get into your bloodstream or destroy your tooth. This is usually a simple issue to fix, but without treatment, it can be deadly. Sometimes, lumps or sores that do not disappear in your mouth can be a sign of mouth cancer, so definitely get them checked.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, call your dentist immediately. Many dentists offer emergency services, so you can get in to see them as fast as possible. You need to ensure a small problem doesn’t turn into something big and more dangerous. Need to see a dentist immediately? Contact Acorn Dental Health now to see a dentist for emergencies.