Toothaches may not seem like a big deal, but sometimes they can be extremely painful and indicate that you’re needing to get int contact with an emergency dentist. Pain in your mouth is never something that should be taken lightly. But how do you know if you require dental attention right away? Here are some signs and symptoms that you are experiencing a dental emergency in Lawrenceburg and should see a dental provider for help.
Discomfort in your mouth often indicates that something isn’t right. If you are experiencing sharp, severe pain, it is a sign that you have underlying dental issues that should be attended to by an emergency dentist. It could indicate that you have a cavity or an abscessed tooth. Neither of these issues go away on their own and will only get worse with time.
As you age, your teeth are likely to become discolored from more pigmented foods and beverages. However, if you notice a tooth change in color from yellow to dark brown or gray, this could indicate that your tooth is infected and the pulp on the inside of your tooth is dead. This requires the attention of an emergency dentist to prevent the infection from worsening or spreading.
If you have a toothache accompanied by loose teeth, this could be a sign that your have an advanced stage of gum disease. If your teeth are wiggling around, it’s crucial that you see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. They will inform you about various treatment options for periodontal disease, so it doesn’t progress further and lead to tooth loss.
Feel around your neck and jawline for any swelling. If an infection in the mouth has spread, you may show symptoms in these areas. You should seek medical attention right away because you could be as risk for infecting the vital organs in your body which can be life threatening!
Teeth sensitivity isn’t always a dental emergency, however if your teeth are particularly achy, this could be a sign that you have bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. Other causes of sensitivity include cavities or an abscessed tooth. Both of these require emergency treatment.
This is not all that uncommon, but if you also have a toothache, you should see your dentist. This could be a sign of periodontal disease. The sooner you are able to catch it, the more likely you will be able to recover from it. Once it reaches later stages, it can be irreversible and lead to tooth loss.
If you have a bad odor coming from your mouth or a gross taste, this could indicate an infected tooth. If you are experiencing this in addition to other signs of an abscessed tooth, call your dentist right away to set up an emergency appointment.
When it comes to your oral health, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Give your dentist a call if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They will be able to give you the guidance and treatment necessary to get you back on your feet.
At Oyler Family Dentistry, Dr. Brian C. Oyler provides immediate emergency dental care to patients in Lawrenceburg, IN. He has been serving the area for over 25 years and maintains several professional memberships including with the American Dental Association and Indiana Dental Association. He is joined by Dr. Erin Ballard who earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville. For more information or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit their website or call (812) 221-1014.
We look forward to meeting you. Call (812) 537-4272 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.