More often than not, we attend dental appointments for simple check-ups and cleanings. However, at certain times, we go due to the onset of or sudden sensation of several painful and worrying symptoms in our dental health. These symptoms are often signs of serious conditions you’ll need to address immediately and seek emergency dental care.
At Smile Reston Heights, we make ourselves readily available for all of our patients, whether it be for general dental treatments or responsive emergency dental care. We’ve seen smiles on patients all across Sterling, VA, and throughout the Northern Virginia area, due to our friendly staff, open schedule, and affordable payment plans. Trust our team at Smile Reston Heights when you need an emergency dentist.
To make sure you get the treatment you need when you need it, here are five signs that tell you when you need emergency dental care:
Loose Teeth (as an Adult)
After losing all of your baby teeth, your adult teeth grow in and should no longer wiggle or loosen at any point in the future.
However, if you start to feel one of your teeth wiggling or feeling loose as an adult, this could be a sign of several different issues. Loose teeth in an adult could indicate a serious tooth injury or a localized infection.
Swollen Jaw
A part of your jaw suddenly becoming swollen is a serious indication that you have a dental infection. Specifically, an infection in your salivary gland.
This infection comes from a blockage in your salivary glands, which is preventing your mouth’s saliva from breaking down food and naturally cleaning out bacteria in your mouth.
On top of a swollen jaw, additional symptoms can include a fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and a bad taste in your mouth.
Bleeding, Achy Gums
If you perform a normal routine of brushing and flossing each day, yet still feel and see your gums ache and bleed, this could be an onset sign of gum disease or gingivitis.
Additionally, if the bleeding and pain become consistent and excessive, this could indicate that you are already several stages into having gum disease, and should go to a dentist immediately to receive treatment.
Regardless of whether those conditions are severe or persistent, you should schedule a visit with your dentist to learn if your dental health is showing early signs of gum disease. Catching it early can make all the difference in saving your overall dental health.
Consistent Tooth Pain
Experiencing a toothache can be annoying to deal with, but it is relatively common. However, if your toothache is consistent and severe, or remains after coming into contact with hot or cold substances, then you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Persistent toothache is a well-recognized symptom of tooth or root canal infection. If not addressed correctly or quickly enough, your dental health could receive permanent damage and the pain you’re experiencing can last far longer than you’d want it to.
Tooth Numbness
If you experience consistent tooth pains, but then notice a sudden absence of feeling or sensitivity, make an appointment with a dentist immediately. Loss of sensation in your tooth likely means you have a tooth abscess that has reached into the root of your tooth, infecting the nerve ending.
At this point, permanent damage to your tooth has occurred, but in order to avoid further infection, contact your dentist right away. Be honest and discuss any other toothaches or sensations you may be experiencing in order to prevent further damage.
Smile Reston Heights: Emergency Dental Care in Sterling, VA
If you are noticing one of these sensations in your teeth or gums, there is a great chance that you will need dependable emergency dental care from a highly-trained dentist and staff, like us at Smile Reston Heights of Sterling, VA. Our team has provided emergency treatments for all sorts of dental health conditions, from tooth abscesses, deep toothaches, to broken or chipped teeth.
We also maintain a high level of customer satisfaction through affordable payment plans, a friendly and bright atmosphere, and our commitment to serving our community no matter what.
Contact us for more information on our services, or for emergency dental care services today.