How can you tell the difference between common oral aches and pains, and a situation where you need to call an emergency dentist in Hamden? What starts out as a small toothache might spiral into a serious problem if you put off treatment. That’s why we’ve created this list of signs you have a dental emergency on your hands. If any of these signs sound familiar to you, then contact your emergency dentist right away.
Your Gums Bleed
You might think it’s normal to see a spot of red or pink in the sink after brushing and flossing. However, this is far from healthy. In fact, bleeding gums is often the first sign of gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. If your bleeding is accompanied by aching or swelling in your gums, you almost surely have gingivitis already. Call your dentist soon to schedule an appointment.
You Have a Loose Tooth
Once you’ve progressed past childhood, your teeth should never be wiggly or loose. If they are, you may have injured the tooth somehow. It could also be a symptom of a localized infection. In either case, you’re going to want to seek medical attention in a timely manner. Otherwise, the infection or fracture could spread to other teeth and wreak havoc.
Your Tooth Went Numb
Did you have an intense toothache that suddenly went away? Although you might think this means the tooth is getting better, the problem is actually worsening. It likely means that the infection or damage has spread to the center of the tooth (called the pulp), where the nerve is housed. This effectively renders the tooth “dead.” At this point, you’ll probably need a root canal to save the tooth from having to be extracted.
Your Canker Sore Isn’t Getting Any Better
Canker sores are completely normal, and can happen to you several times throughout your life. However, they should go away on their own after a few days. If you have a canker sore (or any kind of lesion in your mouth) that isn’t healing after several days, contact your dentist. It may or may not be oral cancer, which needs to be caught early in order to be successfully dealt with.
You Have a Bump on Your Gums
Do you have a bump on your gums that resembles a pimple? Whatever you do, do NOT try to pop it like you would a pimple. This is commonly a sign that you have an infection within your gums or tooth. If your gum bump is accompanied by a serious toothache, then it’s definitely a symptom of an infection that warrants root canal therapy.
If any of the above situations sound familiar to you, then it’s high time you give your emergency dentist in Hamden a call. It could save your tooth!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Pantera graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association, and the New Haven Dental Society. Because of COVID-19, his practice in Hamden, CT is currently only treating dental emergencies. If you think you may have one, don’t hesitate to call (203) 288-0951.
