Why You May Need Urgent Dental Care

If you’re experiencing some dental discomfort, be it low-intensity pain, sensitivity, or just noticing a change in the appearance of your teeth, you might be willing to wait a few days until the dentist can see you for a regular appointment.

But what happens if you can’t wait that long? Well, then you have emergency dental services to fall back on, which can help you get an appointment much faster. However, sometimes it can be difficult for patients to tell the difference between an urgent need, and one that can wait.

Here is a short guide that can help you figure out if you’re experiencing a dental emergency or not.
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What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental issue that either causes extreme discomfort or puts you at risk of permanent tooth damage or even tooth loss.

Some emergencies can be more noticeable than others. For example, if you fall and lose a tooth, you can easily make the call that it is a dental emergency. Seeing the dentist right away could mean the tooth can be replanted into its socket successfully, so you don’t lose it permanently.

Other cases might not be so easy to classify as an emergency. In these cases, people often delay getting dental treatments and needlessly increase their risk for tooth damage or tooth loss.
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Signs You Might Have a Dental Emergency

If you’re experiencing a dental issue, check out for these signs to see if it’s actually an emergency. If it is, contact a dentist right away for an appointment:

• Severe Pain - Pain is often a telling sign you should see a dentist sooner rather than later, especially if it’s intense and does not go down even with OTC medication or cold compresses. 
  

• Fever - This is a sign you are battling an infection. If you also notice any swelling, or if one of your teeth is sensitive to cold, heat, or touch, then a tooth infection is the likely cause, and you should book an emergency appointment.
  

• Bleeding - Whether it is caused by an injury or because of periodontal disease, it doesn’t really matter. Oral bleeding is not normal, and warrants an emergency dental visit. 
  

• Exposed Nerve - This can be caused by gum recession or even an injury that pushes back the gums. Either way, exposed nerves are quite painful, and should be treated right away.
  

• Jaw Pain or Stiffness - There can be many reasons why your jaw is stiff or causing pain, such as an infection or misalignment issues. If you suddenly can’t move the jaw because of stiffness or pain, it’s imperative to get it checked by a dentist right away.
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Emergency Services at Lakeside Dental 

If you think you have a dental emergency, we at Lakeside Dental are here to help. 

Book an appointment with Dr. Joseph Blalock as soon as possible!