Signs You Need to See an Emergency Dentist

January 2, 2023
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Some dental emergencies are evident: blood comes out of your mouth, you experience pain like never before, and you end up with a lost tooth in your hand. Yet, this isn’t always the case, and sometimes you’re enjoying a quiet evening when you should be knocking on your dentist’s door instead. Learn which conditions signal you’re facing a dental emergency and that it’s time to seek treatment with your dentist in Issaquah.

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Symptoms of a Dental Emergency

Severe Tooth Pain

Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s out of place, so when a tooth hurts, it should always be a cause for concern. The surface of your teeth might be unharmed, but your tooth pulp can still be fighting an infection that needs urgent care. When bacteria attack deeper tooth layers, your teeth are at an even greater risk of falling than when you have an external cavity. Therefore, if you’ve been in pain for several days and it’s only gotten worse over time, you should give your emergency dentist a call so they can get to the root of the problem.

Swollen and Receding Gums

Pain might not be an issue, but swollen gums can still land you an emergency dentist appointment. When you don’t look after your teeth, bacteria build up around your gums and get past your tooth enamel. If you give food remains and harmful substances room to injure your tooth root, your gums will swell, recede, and eventually start bleeding.  

Infection can result in tooth loss and even trigger other health problems, such as heart disease. Talk to your emergency dentist when your cheeks or gums look more chubby than usual.

Sensitivity

Some people are prone to tooth sensitivity and have a harder time eating hot and cold meals. However, if this has never been the case for you and you suddenly start flinching after a sip of an iced drink, you might be in for an emergency dentist visit.  

The usual culprits behind a sensitive tooth are an abscess or a cavity that has reached your tooth pulp, making you vulnerable to extreme temperatures. If your sensitivity isn’t going away or only affects one of your teeth, it might be more than a short-lived discomfort, and you should make sure by contacting your emergency dentist.

Numbness

Numbness is a symptom that’s not so easy to catch, as ironically, you aren’t feeling a thing and your tooth is in danger. When an infection is left untreated for a while, it can affect the nerves inside your tooth and cause tissue death. Since a dead tooth calls for extraction, make sure to visit your dentist as soon as you notice when a part of your mouth has gone numb.

Loose Tooth

If you’re past the age when the tooth fairy visits you but still have a loose tooth, you’re in the presence of a dental emergency. You might have hit a tooth hard enough to loosen it, or severe decay might have started detaching your pearly white from its socket. Regardless, emergency dentists should assess the situation and determine the best course of action to save your teeth.

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If You Suffer from These Symptoms, Visit an Emergency Dentist in Issaquah!

Not dealing with symptoms like pain, swelling, numbness, or a loose tooth can damage your teeth forever and harm your beautiful smile. Our team is here to treat dental emergencies, so contact us today for a visit!

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