Don’t Ignore These Five Common Dental Emergencies: Insights from a Family Dentist in Portage Park, Chicago
At Smile Innovations, we always urge our patients to take good care of their teeth and gums. But the truth is that it’s we sometimes slip up, especially when it comes to flossing and keeping track of our regular dental appointments.
No matter how diligent you are at taking care of your teeth, it is still important to know what constitutes a dental emergency, and when you should seek treatment immediately. That’s where we can help. Below, this family Dentist in Portage Park, Chicago is going to review five of the most common dental emergencies to be aware of.
1. Severe Pain
When you have a severe toothache, it can be hard to think about anything else. The pain may radiate from your tooth to your jaw, ear, or head. If the pain is accompanied by a fever, swollen lymph nodes, or sore throat, it could be a sign of infection. In these cases, you should visit your family dentist in Portage Park, Chicago as soon as possible.
2. Loose Tooth/Teeth
A loose tooth can be caused by several things, including dental trauma, gum disease, or even biting down on something hard. If you have a loose tooth, it is important to see a dentist right away as there is a risk of the tooth becoming completely dislodged. Ignoring a loose tooth could also lead to further complications, such as infection.
3. Jaw Swelling
One of the most common dental emergencies is jaw swelling. This can be caused by an infection, an abscessed tooth (more on that later), or even wisdom teeth that are coming in. If you have jaw swelling, it is essential that you see your family dentist in Portage Park, Chicago immediately so that they can determine the cause and treat it accordingly. Ignoring jaw swelling can lead to serious health complications.
4. Bleeding
If you are bleeding from your gums or teeth, it could be due to gum disease or gingivitis. If the bleeding is severe, you should see a dentist right away. If the bleeding is not severe, you can try rinsing your mouth with salt water or taking ibuprofen to help reduce the swelling.
5. Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is a serious dental emergency that can lead to other health problems if left untreated. An abscess is an infection that starts in the root of the tooth and spreads to the surrounding tissues. The most common symptom of an abscessed tooth is severe pain. Other symptoms include sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling of the gums, and a foul taste in your mouth. If you think you have an abscessed tooth, see your dentist immediately.
Visit a Family Dentist
Your family dentist in Portage Park, Chicago is an excellent resource for dental emergencies because they are familiar with your mouth, teeth, and history. They can usually see you immediately and have a good idea of what is going on. Plus, they can provide you with the necessary treatment to relieve your pain and get you on the road to recovery.
Looking for the Top-Rated Family Dentist in Portage Park, Chicago?
Dental emergencies can arise out of nowhere, but you can do your best to prevent them by scheduling regular dental checkups and brushing and flossing daily. Still, if you experience an emergency, it is important to visit your family dentist to get the treatment you need without delay.
Are you looking to visit the top-rated family dentist in Portage Park, Chicago? If so, Dr. Gordon J. Ziols (DDS, FAGD) and his staff at Smile Innovations are the people to see. Contact our office at (773) 763-1000 and we will do everything we can to schedule you an appointment as soon as possible.