Nothing can bring a nice day to a halt quicker than a dental emergency. When one strikes, your biggest concern is how to get the relief you need. While some emergencies are sudden and abrupt, there are others that will give you progressive warning signs. The sooner you can recognize them, the better your chances are of avoiding the more acute symptoms. As you read ahead, an emergency dentist in Collinsville lists the common traits to be on the lookout for.
Intensifying Tooth Pain
It’s not natural to have pain in a tooth, so if you’re experiencing discomfort, it’s a sign that a problem is lurking. The usual culprit is advancing tooth decay. If allowed to penetrate beyond the dentin, it can infect the sensitive pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. Untreated, it can compromise the entire tooth, and the infection can eventually spread to other parts of the body.
Gum Pain
Severe tooth decay can affect your gums as well. If allowed to continue traveling, oral bacteria can cause a soft tissue infection that can result in gum sensitivity, red or white spots, bleeding and blisters. If you notice increasing discomfort, then it’s important to reach out to a dentist for help. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse as time goes by.
A Loose or Missing Tooth
In some cases, a loose tooth can be the result of prolonged dental negligence, while in other cases, it can suddenly occur due to a blow to the face or a hard fall. Whether the result of an ongoing problem or a situational mishap, a loose tooth should be treated as a dental emergency.
A tooth that is completely knocked out is an even more urgent situation. There is around a two-hour window to have it successfully reinserted, so it’s a must to immediately seek care.
A Missing Restoration
If a crown or filling falls out, it leaves your tooth vulnerable to debris and oral bacteria entering to cause a painful infection that could require complex care to correct. Thus, the moment you discover that a restoration has dislodged, you should act expeditiously to receive the care you need.
Dental Emergencies During the COVID-19 Outbreak
To slow down the spread of COVID-19, most dentists have temporarily placed preventive, cosmetic and most forms of restorative care on hold. However, many are available to provide emergency dental care. If you’re faced with an emergent situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local dentist to get the help you need.
About the Author
Dr. Trey Richard earned his dental degree from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. After graduating, he completed his Fellowship requirements at the Triangle Dental Institute Continuum. During these difficult times, Dr. Richard understands that patients need some stability, which is why he and his staff are on the front lines ready to provide emergency dental treatment when you need it. He practices at Collinsville Dental Associates, and he can be reached for more information through his website.