If there’s one trait that all dental emergencies have in common, it’s that they tend to occur at the most inopportune times. But, before you can get the expert care you need to fully recover, you need to know what symptoms to look for. The quicker you can recognize a dental emergency, the less suffering you’ll have to endure and the better your chances are of preventing a bad situation from becoming worse. As you continue reading, an emergency dentist in Worcester lists some of the common indicators.
A Loose Tooth
If you have a loose tooth, it’s a definite warning sign of an impending emergency. Instead of waiting on it to completely dislodge, you should reach out to a dentist to seek treatment. The sooner you act, the better your chances are of saving time and money and preventing any unnecessary suffering.
Severe Tooth Pain
It’s not normal for a tooth to ache, so if you’ve been experiencing acute and continuous pain, you likely have a dental emergency on your hands. You should have it treated without hesitation to prevent the infection from spreading and possibly becoming life-threatening.
A Filling or Crown is Missing
Whenever a permanent fixture has fallen from your mouth, it shouldn’t be ignored. Otherwise, you run the risk of debris and oral bacteria causing a painful infection that can be complicated to treat.
You Have a Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
If you have a metal filling, and you notice a metallic taste in your mouth, it could be a sign that the restoration is cracked or has become loose. The sooner you reach out to a dentist, the better your chances are of avoiding a complex dental emergency that could possibly require the tooth to be extracted.
Your Gums are Bleeding and Ache
While it’s not unheard of to have a slight bit of bleeding when you start a new flossing regimen, if the issue persists, then it could be a sign of gingivitis or even gum disease. If it becomes excessive, recurring and leaves your gums aching, you should have a greater sense of urgency about receiving care. It could be a warning sign of a serious dental emergency approaching.
No Matter What, Always Do This
Regardless of what type of dental emergency you may have, it’s critical that you take the following steps:
- Remain calm – Although a dental emergency is a stressful situation, the less you panic, the better. Maintaining a calm mind will allow you to effectively assess what has happened so you can take the next appropriate steps.
- Contact your emergency dentist – After you’ve determined what type of emergency you have, it’s important that you immediately contact a local dentist. Therefore, you can start the process of getting the relief you need.
Currently, America is enthralled in a battle with COVID-19. Still, in the event you have a dental emergency, your dentist is available to provide the expert care you need to fully recover.
About the Author
Dr. Anthony R. Buonomo earned his dental degree from Georgetown University Dental School. A member of the New England Prosthodontic Society for many years, he provides competent and compassionate care. Dr. Buonomo treats dental emergencies at University Dental Group, and he can be reached for more information through his website.