When Does your Tooth Problem Become a Dental Emergency?

Scheduling regular checkups and cleanings every 6 months is an important part of any dental health program. However, there may be times you need to make an appointment because of a dental emergency -- it is important to know when your tooth problem needs immediate care. Here are some situations to consider:

 

• If gums are bleeding, swollen and red, this could be a sign of periodontitis, which requires immediate attention. Advanced stages of gum disease cause gums to pull away from teeth, creating pockets where infection thrives. If left untreated too long, this can lead to tooth loss.

• If a filling or crown has fallen out, it needs to be replaced right away to prevent bacteria from damaging a sensitive tooth. If you are in any discomfort from your dental emergency, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help until you are able to get in and see Dr. Fayad.

• If a tooth has been knocked out or broken, you should visit our office as soon as possible. When the whole tooth has been knocked out of the socket, try to place it gently back in. If this is not possible, preserve the tooth by putting it in a glass of milk, and bring it with you to your appointment. There is a chance that Dr. Fayad might be able to save it, but it needs to be done within an hour or so of the injury occurring.

 

Other conditions that might signal serious problems include bad breath that doesn’t go away or mysterious sores in the mouth that haven’t healed after a couple of weeks. These can be symptoms of gum disease or even oral cancer. In either case, it is important to visit our office immediately if you are concerned that something may be wrong.   

 

Dr. Fayad is available for same-day dental visits in cases of an emergency. He is even available on the weekends including Sundays. If you’ve suffered an accident, Dr. Fayad takes care to schedule your emergency dental appointment immediately to get you out of pain and restore your oral health.

  

Whatever the dental emergency, even if long-term treatment is required to correct the problem, Dr. Fayad can help. If you are in any discomfort as the result of dental trauma, our office will prescribe something for the pain, so you can leave the office feeling better, no matter what.

 

If you have suffered a dental emergency, contact the team at Lessard dental to schedule your dental appointment.