5 Signs of a Dental Emergency

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t expect a dental emergency to happen to you, but they occur more often than you might believe. In fact, 1 in 6 Americans has one annually. If the unexpected strikes, do you know what to do? Probably not. You might not even know what situations require immediate care. With time of the utmost importance, here are 5 signs you need to call your emergency dentist in Lewisville right away.

1. Your tooth is loose.

After you’ve lost all your primary teeth, you should never experience a loose tooth again. If an adult tooth suddenly or gradually loosens, it’s time to call your dentist. If it’s the result of an injury or trauma, place the tooth in its correct position and bite on a piece of gauze to prevent it from moving. If your tooth has loosened without any apparent cause, do not wiggle it. Instead, contact your dentist for an appointment to prevent the problem from worsening.

2. You have a severe toothache.

Many people believe an occasional toothache is normal; however, this is a red flag to a larger underlying problem. A severe toothache that suddenly develops is often the result of an infection. You will need immediate treatment, like a root canal, to save your tooth and stop your pain.

3. You have an abscess.

If you develop a pimple-like bump on your gum tissue near a tooth, there’s likely an infection at the root. Often, it results from untreated tooth decay or gum disease. It must be treated quickly to prevent the infection from spreading. It’s best to contact your dentist right away, even if the abscess drains on its own. Your dentist will get to the root cause of the problem to stop it from reoccurring.

4. Canker sore that won’t heal.

Everyone gets a canker sore from time to time, which usually heals in about 2 weeks. If your canker sore isn’t getting better, the lesion may be a sign of a bigger problem, like oral cancer. Your dentist can perform a simple oral cancer screening to ensure there isn’t anything more serious occurring in your mouth.

5. Your mouth tastes like metal.

Have you ever experienced a metallic taste in your mouth? This can indicate an old metal filling is damaged. If it isn’t replaced, bacteria can become trapped in the small cracks. This can result in decay or an infection that might lead to a root canal. It’s best to have the restoration replaced to reinstate the health and integrity of your tooth.

Don’t Wait to Call Your Dentist

As with any emergency, you need to get treatment right away. If you have signs of a dental emergency, don’t wait to schedule an appointment.

About Dr. Christopher Capehart

Dr. Christopher Capehart strives to provide personalized dental care to build long-lasting relationships with his patients. Besides general dentistry, he also offers emergency services to help his patients through the difficult times. If you need immediate care, contact our office today.