Dental Trouble or Serious Emergency? Here’s How To Tell
Created on September 15, 2023
If you have a serious problem with your teeth or the soft tissue in your mouth, getting emergency dental care can help ensure that your oral health is protected. However, you may not recognize that you have a dental emergency right away, and even if pain is present, you may be tempted to wait it out.
Understanding what constitutes a dental emergency can help you avoid unnecessary pain and prevent further complications. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies.
Trauma to the Mouth
Any injury to the mouth that results in a loose, broken, or knocked-out tooth constitutes a dental emergency. A broken crown or other restoration is often a dental emergency as well. These injuries need to be treated immediately to protect and preserve the tooth and avoid infection.
Toothache
It may surprise you to learn that a toothache can constitute a dental emergency. Pain is your body’s way of signaling something is wrong. With intense or consistent pain, the signal could indicate issues such as nerve damage or infection.
Gum Abscess
What looks like a pimple on your gum might actually be an infection called an abscess. An abscess can damage your teeth. Oral infections can also spread to the surrounding tissues and potentially even the rest of the body. The sooner you receive emergency dental care, the more likely you will avoid infection and preserve your tooth.
Food Stuck Between Teeth
Though typically you will be able to dislodge food debris such as a popcorn kernel or apple skin between your teeth, there may be times when it is not possible to do so on your own. This is a dental emergency. Stuck food can be a hotbed for harmful bacteria that can lead to dental infection if not addressed. Additionally, food lodged between your teeth is often uncomfortable.
Find Emergency Dental Care in Springfield, MA
If you are suffering from any of the above dental emergencies, don’t delay. Ensuring you see an emergency dentist is a top priority for maintaining good oral health.
At Taylor Street Dental, Dr. David I. Peck, Dr. Elwira Tyra, Dr. Stephen J. Greenberg, and Dr. Hien Truong are dedicated to offering you exceptional care and results.
For emergency dental care, call 413-781-7645 to schedule a visit.
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