Many things can lead to stress and the impacts can be far reaching. Stress can…
What is a Dental Emergency?
Putting off important medical care can lead to more serious problems in the future, especially in the case of an emergency. It’s important to know when you have an urgent dental issue so that you can get prompt treatment. So, what is a dental emergency? Here’s what to watch for.
Dental Trauma
One warning sign of a dental emergency is if you have experienced a trauma to your mouth, face, or jaw. Dental emergencies caused by trauma usually happen while playing sports or during a traumatic event like a car accident or fall, but it can happen at any time due to any type of impact.
If you’ve experienced a trauma that you suspect might have impacted your teeth, check for signs of chipped, broken, misaligned, or knocked-out teeth. If you notice that your teeth look different than usual in any way, call your dentist right away.
Even if you don’t see signs of visible damage, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist so that they can examine your teeth and perform x-rays, if needed, to check for any signs of damage beneath the surface of the teeth.
Tooth Decay
Another type of dental emergency can happen when your tooth is damaged from cavities or erosion of the outer layer of the teeth. If not treated promptly, this type of damage can reach deeper and affect the root of the tooth, resulting in dental decay or loss of the tooth.
Signs of dental decay include increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, the appearance of a hole or small dot on a tooth, discoloration, or discomfort when chewing or biting down.
Gum Disease
When asking the question, “What is a dental emergency?” many people only think of conditions that affect their teeth, but dental emergencies can also include conditions that affect the gums. If your gums bleed, appear red or swollen, or are tender, talk with your dentist about your gum health.
If in Doubt, Ask Your Dentist
The question, “What is a dental emergency?” isn’t always something you can answer on your own, so if you have any concerns it’s always best to check with your dentist. Your dentist has the expertise to diagnose a dental emergency and the tools to treat it so you can get relief and keep your smile healthy and strong.
Call our Jacksonville Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
Related Posts
Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998.
Dr. David Cole is a graduate from the University of Arkansas, receiving his degree in 2016, and is a huge Razorback fan! He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee where he received his D.D.S. in 2021. He looks forward to getting to know the Central Arkansas area, and serving his community!
Dr. Rasmussen is a Hot Springs native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 (Go Bears). After receiving his D.D.S from The University of Tennessee in 2021, he is looking forward to serving the central Arkansas community and the wonderful people who live here.
Dr. James Cooper was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He studied at the University of New Mexico and graduated from dental school from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. After 2 years of dental experience with the Army, Dr. Cooper moved to Jacksonville in 1973 to practice dentistry.