Dental emergencies come in all forms, some of which are easier to confirm than others. When you have a bad toothache or even mild tooth pain that simply doesn’t go away, it’s clear that you should visit a dentist for care. If you have gums that are very sore, sensitive or constantly bleeding, there’s never a second thought of whether you need to get it taken care of as soon as possible. But what do you do when you encounter an issue that may not be so cut and dry? According to a dentist, here are five uncommon signs that you need to schedule an emergency appointment right away.
Loose Teeth
As an adult, your teeth should never feel loose for any reason whatsoever. If you notice that your teeth are loose, either after biting into food or experiencing a physical injury, getting in touch with an emergency dentist is the first thing you should do next. During your visit, a dentist can confirm if any jaw or nerve damage has occurred. Even if you do not experience any pain, that does not mean you should skip an emergency dental appointment.
Metal-Tasting Mouth
Do you have any dental fillings? If you start to notice a metal taste in your mouth, it could be because a dental filling became loose and fell out or cracked. Open fillings put your teeth at risk of additional cavities and even oral infections, so you should get it taken care of right away. Putting off care can increase the chances of you experiencing a toothache and even needing a root canal if an infection develops, which is a much more costly treatment to perform.
Numb Teeth
This is more common once you’ve already experienced a significant amount of tooth pain and then feel nothing at all. This means that a potential infection is inside your tooth and has now reached the root. An abscess could have also developed on your root, creating the need for a root canal. When you need this type of service, it’s absolutely considered a dental emergency.
Swollen Jaw
This can occur due to an oral infection. You may also notice a bad taste in the mouth, fever, or trouble breathing and swallowing. Also known as a salivary gland infection, this issue needs to be examined by a dentist further.
Long-Term Canker Sores
Canker sores generally go away on their own after a few days, even without any type of professional or at-home treatment. However, if the sore does not go away after about two weeks or it becomes infected, don’t wait to call an emergency dentist for care.
Uncommon dental emergencies don’t have to leave you confused or hesitating to call an emergency dentist. They’re prepared to confirm the cause of your issue, get you treated, and protect your oral health moving forward, so don’t wait to contact one today!
About Lakeside Daytona Dentist
When you need a dental emergency taken care of, Dr. Silva and Dr. Santeli have the training and real-world expertise to get you out of pain fast! Their combined years of education, both in school and through numerous post-graduate courses make them fully equipped to handle dental emergencies minor and severe, so don’t hesitate to contact them through their website if you’re experiencing unexplained or uncommon dental symptoms!