A dental emergency is any situation where your compromised oral health could put your overall health at risk. You must seek treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, an oral disease or injury could compromise your general health.
Before encountering a dental emergency, look for a local dental practice that offers emergency dentistry services. These practices offer extended hours. If it's an emergency, you won't have to search for a new dentist who
is available.
After all, you never know when an emergency will strike. Seeking immediate treatment can help you avoid complications.
Understanding when you're encountering a dental emergency is essential. Symptoms of an emergency can include:
- Severe tooth pain
- Loose teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Missing teeth
- Facial swelling
- Bleeding from the mouth or gums
- Swelling on the gums
- Damaged braces
- A broken jaw
- A tooth or gum abscess (infection)
If you have these symptoms, look for emergency dentistry in Stockton, CA right away. Your dentist can determine the best course of treatment based on your situation.
If you believe it's a dental emergency, contact
your Stockton dentist. They can help walk you through the next steps. If you require immediate treatment, they'll instruct you to visit your local dental practice.
Here are a few situations that indicate you should visit your Stockton, CA dentist.
Severe Toothaches
Mild to moderate tooth pain doesn't always indicate a dental emergency. Let your dentist know if you experience severe pain along with:
- A fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe discomfort
- Facial swelling
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Difficulty swallowing
You should call your dentist if your symptoms persist for more than a day. These symptoms could mean you have an untreated cavity or infection. About
26% of adults between the ages of 20 and 44 have untreated cavities.
When left untreated, the bacteria could enter your bloodstream. You could develop an infection.
Your dentist can determine the root cause of your tooth pain. They'll schedule a visual exam and X-rays to determine if you have an infection. In the meantime, try
these toothache remedies.
A Foul Taste
Do you have a foul taste in your mouth that doesn't go away when you brush your teeth? It's possible a filling is loose or cracked. It's normal for fillings to fall out or sustain damage after an extended period.
Without treatment, bacteria could spread. You could develop an infection or cavity.
The foul taste in your mouth could indicate you have gum disease. Gum disease occurs due to a bacterial infection. You'll experience inflammation and:
- Pain when chewing
- A change in how your teeth fit together
- Sensitivity
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Loose teeth
- Gums that pull away from your teeth
- Gums that bleed
- Partial dentures that don't fit
- Pus between your teeth and gums
If you experience these symptoms, seek treatment before your gum disease progresses. In its advanced stages, gum disease can cause your teeth to fall out. You may need
a dental implant to restore your smile.
Gum disease is reversible while it's still in its early stages. Make sure to schedule routine dental exams with your Stockton dentist. They can assess your oral health to determine if you need treatment.
A Cracked or Broken Tooth
You could crack or break a tooth during a sporting or car accident. A damaged tooth can affect your ability to chew. It can also affect your self-esteem.
Your dentist will determine the right course of treatment based on the severity of the injury. For example, they may recommend a veneer for a chipped tooth.
Jaw Pain
Do you experience pain or a popping sensation when chewing? You may have temporomandibular joint disorder (TJD). In addition to jaw pain, you may experience:
- Difficulty opening/closing your mouth
- Stiffness in the jaw
- Headaches
- Toothaches
- Earaches
- Tinnitus
- Jaw popping/clicking
- Facial pain
- Shoulder or neck pain
Your dentist may recommend non-surgical treatments while the problem is in its early stages. Without treatment, you may experience bruxism, which can cause your tooth enamel to wear down.
A Sore or Growth
Visit your dentist immediately if you develop a growth in your mouth. If the sore doesn't go away after a week, you may have an infection. A growth or sore could indicate oral cancer or a chronic health condition.
A growth or sore points to a dental emergency if:
- It doesn't heal or go away
- It's accompanied by a fever or swelling
- It makes eating/drinking difficult
- It's gotten bigger with time
Your
mortality rate can increase to 40% if you leave a dental abscess untreated. Schedule routine appointments with your dentist for regular screenings.
Swelling
While swelling may seem like a minor symptom, it could indicate a serious issue. For example, you could have an infection, which can become life-threatening without treatment.
Visit your dentist to determine the root cause of your swelling. Let them know how long you've experienced symptoms.
You may experience facial swelling due to a dental abscess.
Bleeding
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, let your dentist know. Bleeding gums could indicate you have gum disease. Other causes include:
- Brushing too hard
- A bleeding disorder
- Hormonal changes (like pregnancy)
- Improper flossing
- Infection
- Vitamin C or K deficiency
- Leukemia
Your Stockton dentist can determine the underlying condition. They'll ensure you begin the proper course of treatment right away.
