1 in 6 Americans faces a dental emergency each year. You might think they occur without any warning, but this isn’t always true. Often, there are red flags that indicate there’s a concern brewing in your mouth that can lead to an unplanned visit to your emergency dentist in Houston if you don’t get the care you need. Here are 5 common signs you need immediate treatment to prevent a seemingly minor issue from turning into a big problem.
1. You have a loose tooth.
After you’ve lost all your primary teeth, you should never have a loose tooth again. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for an adult to have a wiggly tooth, even if there hasn’t been any trauma to the mouth or face. There can be several causes, like injury, infection, or damage to the jaw. Your dentist will find the cause of the problem and stabilize the tooth to prevent losing it permanently.
2. You have a toothache.
Many people believe an occasional toothache is normal; however, it is often a symptom of an underlying problem, like gum recession, infection, tooth decay, or a fracture. Without the right care, your discomfort can continue, and you might lose your tooth. Your dentist in Houston will provide the appropriate treatment to stop your pain and save your smile.
3. Your gums are bleeding.
It’s not unusual to see a bit of blood on your toothbrush or floss, which you might attribute to aggressive oral hygiene methods. Unfortunately, it’s usually caused by an infection called gum disease. Although it is easily preventable, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. You can preserve your smile by getting the care you need right away.
4. You suspect a dental abscess.
An abscess is an emergency because the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and into the bloodstream. Besides a severe toothache, you might see a pimple-like bump appear on the gum tissue near the root of a tooth. You might even have a bad taste in your mouth. You’ll need to have the abscess properly drained and treated with antibiotics to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
5. Your tooth is numb.
If you’ve been dealing with a toothache, your tooth going numb might be welcomed relief; however, this often means your tooth is dying. Lack of feeling often results from an infection reaching the nerves of your tooth. You’ll need a root canal to restore its health to prevent needing an extraction.
Don’t Wait to See Your Dentist
If you notice any changes to your oral health, don’t wait until it’s too late to see your dentist. Immediate care can prevent the issue from worsening to save your smile.
About Dr. John Krell
Dr. John Krell has built his practice on state-of-the-art care using the latest innovations in dentistry. He provides modern services for a comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Krell is an award-winning dentist, committed to helping his patients achieve optimal oral health. If you have a dental emergency, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
