Identifying a Dental Emergency

Dental Emergency Framingham MA

A dental emergency deserves urgent care to relieve the patient of pain and potential tooth loss. Some dental concerns can be addressed at a later time. However, some are urgent and require specialized care. Keep in mind that if left untreated, some dental issues may impact your general health. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit your dentist routinely to catch issues early on. Also, relay any dental concerns with your dentist. It could be an emergency.

Severe Tooth Damage and Swollen Jaw

If you have small cracks and chips on your teeth, these can wait for regular dental checkups at office hours for the right treatment. However, if you have a large fracture or break, which is accompanied by significant pain, you may need immediate attention from your dentist. 

Sometimes, your jaw may swell even after your toothache has subsided. You may also begin experiencing some numbness. If you have any of these, it is time to visit the dentist. This may be the first sign of infection, which could be spreading to the tooth root.

dental patient looking into mirror dental emergency framingham ma

Chronic Bleeding and Achy Gums

When you brush or floss your teeth,  you may experience some bleeding. This should not be a cause of alarm. You may even bleed more if you have not flossed in a long time. However, if your gums are aching and chronically bleeding, there could be an underlying issue. Contact your dentist right away.

Loose Teeth

A loose or missing tooth is one of the most apparent signs of a dental emergency. Loose and knocked teeth need urgent assistance to save the tooth and stop bleeding. Should your tooth fall out, avoid touching the root and place it in clean water or milk. This will help preserve the tooth. Then, contact your dentist for immediate assistance. The office will attempt to save the tooth. If not, other teeth replacement options will be discussed.

Some patients may choose not to replace a tooth due to the belief that it is more of a cosmetic choice. However, replacing missing teeth is highly recommended. Missing teeth are known to cause decay, periodontal disease, and unnatural teeth shifting. Therefore, replacing them as soon as possible is important to maintain good oral health.

Persistent, Intense Pain

Tooth pain and sensitivity can be excruciating. If the pain or sensitivity is getting worse, and your home care remedies are not working, it is time to call your dentist. Tooth pain and sensitivity are often a sign of an underlying issue such as decay or infection.

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Overall, treating dental issues early on is best to avoid extensive dental work. Likewise, always maintain your routine dental exams and cleanings. These preventive treatments detect issues and prevent plaque and tartar buildup. In other words, being proactive about your dental care decreases the chance of a dental emergency. 

Learn more by scheduling an exam and consultation with Comfort Dental Framingham. Call 508-276-6640 or book online. Our team would be delighted to assist. New patients are always welcome and most insurances are accepted. Moreover, our office is located at 223 Walnut Street, Suite 3 Framingham, MA 01702. We look forward to meeting you.