Knowing how to spot the signs of a dental emergency can save you a lot of trouble! Prompt dental care can help you avoid additional discomfort and permanent or long-term damage to your smile. Here are 5 signs of a dental emergency that you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Dental Discomfort
Your teeth should never hurt! Discomfort is often your body’s way of communicating a need. If you experience discomfort or increased sensitivity in your teeth, mouth, or jaw, it can be a sign that something is wrong and needs your attention and care.
2. Change in Color
Discoloration or the appearance of a dark spot on a tooth might be a sign of dental decay or other serious dental conditions. Changes in the appearance of a tooth, especially sudden changes, can be signs of a dental emergency.
3. A Chipped or Broken Tooth
If a tooth gets chipped, broken, or knocked out, these are all signs of a dental emergency that require immediate attention. Get treatment right away to give your tooth the best chance of a full recovery and prevent dental loss.
4. Trauma to the Mouth or Face
Signs of a dental emergency aren’t always obvious. If you experience a fall or trauma to your mouth, face, or jaw, the impact can result in a dental emergency that might not be visible from the surface. In the event of a trauma, it’s always best to get your teeth checked by a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can perform x-rays to find out if your teeth have suffered damage beneath the surface.
5. Discomfort that Goes Away
Sometimes signs of a dental emergency disappear! If you are experiencing dental discomfort that suddenly goes away, it can feel confusing. It’s not uncommon to wonder if your tooth simply got better on its own, but this can actually be a sign of a serious condition that might have damaged the nerves and root of your tooth. Don’t cancel your appointment with your dentist — and if you don’t have an appointment yet, it’s still just as important to call and schedule one! If in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caring for your teeth!
Call our The Woodlands Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.