You’re experiencing tooth pain and it’s been worsening for a few days. Should you schedule a regular dental appointment? Should you see an emergency dentist? While it’s typically best to consult with your regular dentist, there are some symptoms that warrant an immediate visit to an emergency dentist. Read on to see the most common warning signs and when you should go to an emergency dentist in Lakewood ASAP.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care in Lakewood
You may be wondering, “When should I go to an emergency dentist in Lakewood?” Some tooth and mouth issues seem minor, while others leave you debilitated. Here are some warning signs that indicate you definitely need to seek urgent dental care right away:
- Are you in severe pain? If you’re experiencing extreme, debilitating pain in your teeth or jaw, go to an emergency dentist right away.
- Are your teeth loose? If your teeth aren’t normally loose but suddenly are, it’s likely an emergency.
- Did you lose or chip a tooth? Immediate treatment can help save your tooth.
- Are your gums bleeding excessively? Some occasional gum irritation is not an emergency, but if your gums are bleeding profusely, it definitely can be an emergency.
- Did your oral health suddenly change? If you notice that your gums, jaw, or mouth is suddenly swollen, it’s a sign of something more serious going on.
- Do you have a tooth infection or decay? An abscess or serious infection can be life-threatening if left untreated.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait—call your emergency dentist and schedule an appointment immediately. They’ll be able to provide you with the urgent dental care you need.
What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, you’ll want to know what to expect when you go in for a visit. First things first, give us a call as soon as possible. We will have you come into our office, where we will assess your injury or problem. We may conduct some x-rays or other tests to determine the source of the issue.
After we’ve determined the problem, we will develop a treatment plan based on your needs. In some cases, if there’s been damage to a facial bone or jaw, we may refer you to the hospital for further treatment. Regardless of the situation, we will communicate with you what’s going on and how to help you feel better as quickly as possible.
Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies
Some dental emergencies are entirely preventable, while others are accidental in nature. To avoid preventable emergencies, take care of your teeth and avoid getting involved in situations that may be harmful to your oral health. For example, here are some tips and best practices to follow:
- Visit your dentist once or twice a year for dental checkups and cleanings. This is the best way to stay on top of any potential problems, especially when it comes to tooth decay.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects, like ice or candy. Ice and hard candy is terrible for the teeth. It wears down the outer layer of enamel, and also provides multiple opportunities for chips or cracks to occur.
- Don’t bite your nails or chew on your pencils. Biting your nails and chewing on pencils compromises your teeth’s integrity and also breaks down the enamel. It puts unnatural pressure on the place where your teeth are attached to the gums, and can cause loose teeth if the habit continues.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night. Nighttime teeth grinding is sometimes a sign of a sleep-related breathing disorder. Many people are unaware they suffer from one, but the effects over time can be detrimental to your health. If your teeth are constantly cracking or if you’re prone to losing cavity fillings, there may be too much pressure on your teeth during rest. Try out a mouthguard to relieve the tension on your teeth during the night.
- If you have a toothache, try rinsing your mouth with salt water or using over-the-counter pain relief medication. If you’ve been eating hard chips or popcorn, it’s natural to get stray food stuck between your teeth. In these cases, brush and rinse your mouth, and even try out some pain relief meds. If the toothache worsens, the tooth may be infected. If that’s the case, be sure to take care of it right away to avoid further tooth damage.
How to Find an Emergency Dentist in Lakewood, CO
As with every other emergency situation, it’s impossible to know when and where it will happen. Be sure to plan ahead and know where to go if one does occur. Here’s how to go about finding an emergency dentist in the Lakewood area.
First, you can call your regular dentist and see if they provide emergency dental services in Lakewood. If not, see if they have any recommendations for an emergency dentist. Next, do a quick Google search for “emergency dentists in Lakewood.” Be sure to assess the clinic’s location and reviews to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Once you’ve found a few options, take a look at the emergency dental clinic websites or give them a call to see if they’re open to new patients. And finally, don’t forget to ask about pricing. Most emergency dentists will charge a higher fee than your regular dentist, but it’s still important to know what you’re getting into.
Why Choose Balanced Dental Studio In Lakewood, CO
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above, be sure to see an emergency dentist in Lakewood immediately. At Balanced Dental Studio, we understand that when you’re in pain, you want to get relief as soon as possible. We will do everything we can to make you feel better.
So don’t wait—if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, please give us a call and we’ll get you in for an appointment right away.
To learn more about our General Dentistry Services, visit this page here.
