Dentists understand that patients don’t love having their mouths poked and prodded. But besides attending your regularly scheduled check-ups, there are instances when you should never skip the dentist’s office, for example, like if you experience a dental emergency.
If you’re experiencing serious dental or jaw pain, as a general rule of thumb, you should immediately contact your dental emergency clinic. But what if your tooth, gum, or jaw injury isn’t causing discomfort? Is it still considered an emergency? Keep reading to find out the dental injuries that require immediate attention from your dentist.
- Jaw Injury: Cases of broken and dislocated jaws can be dangerous. Jaw injuries require immediate emergency attention because, if left untreated, they can negatively impact your eating, breathing, and speaking. Difficulty breathing could indicate that blood flow is blocking your airway. Having a broken or dislocated jaw is one of the most serious dental injuries in the book.
- Damaged Tooth: If a tooth becomes fractured, chipped or partially knocked out of its socket, don’t delay in contacting your dental emergency clinic. The reasons to fix these forms of tooth damage aren’t purely cosmetic. For instance, a fractured tooth can indicate the presence of cavities. Failing to treat the fracture may cause these cavities to worsen or allow an infection to develop.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth comes out completely, you’re facing an even bigger emergency. If you act quickly, your dentist may be able to save your damaged tooth. In cases of extensive damage, getting a dental bridge or implant will immediately protect this delicate, exposed area of your mouth.
- Lost Crown or Fillings: Crowns and fillings are shields to protect damaged teeth. So, if these shields fall off, your teeth are once again exposed and vulnerable. Failing to replace a crown or a filling could result in a larger cavity, tooth deterioration, and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Severe Toothache: Everyone gets toothaches from time to time, but if that toothache is accompanied by a large degree of pain and/or swelling, it’s time to seek out professional help. Severe toothaches can be signs of a larger problem, such as tooth decay, an abscessed tooth or gum infection. Rather than taking painkillers to mask the toothache, call your dentist immediately!
Looking for the best urgent care dental clinic in Dallas, TX? Smiley Dental offers expert care at affordable prices, so you can start smiling again sooner. Contact us today at 214-613-1877 to make an appointment and discover more about our gum treatment options.
