When there’s something wrong with your oral health, it’s natural to feel panicked or even frustrated with events. However, not every case of a problem is truly an emergency. While there are times you’ll need an emergency dentist in Washington, DC, there are also times you may be able to treat the problem yourself. Knowing what the cause of the issue is often helps determine whether or not you need immediate assistance. If you’re ever in doubt, however, you should call your dentist to set up an appointment to be safe.
Times You Need an Emergency Dentist in Washington, DC
There are many cases of dental problems that may seem like an emergency but that actually aren’t. A common example would be bleeding gums. While bleeding gums can indicate gum disease or infection, they can also occur when you get a piece of food stuck between your teeth. When you notice something wrong with your oral health, the best thing you can do is carefully examine the situation to help determine your next steps. There are times, however, when it’s clear that an emergency visit is necessary.
Sudden Tooth Loss
Tooth loss, in general, can be hazardous to your oral health. However, sudden or unexpected tooth loss is often more dangerous. If you lose a tooth due to physical trauma, you may have other dental conditions to worry about as well, such as gum damage or bone loss. Visiting your dentist as soon as possible is crucial to help protect the rest of your oral health. While there is a very small chance the tooth could be reattached, you’ll most likely need to begin restoration treatment right away.
Sharp Tooth Pain or Sensitivity
Mild pain and sensitivity could occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are mild and will go away with proper oral hygiene care. However, there are times when intense pain or persistent sensitivity is a sign of dental damage. For example, if you have an infected inner pulp, you may experience sharp pain, even without stimulation. Removing the infection is crucial if you want to preserve your natural tooth and avoid extraction. Therefore, it’s important to contact your dentist right away to see if a root canal is needed.
Chips or Fractures
Tooth damage, even a mild case, can quickly spread or cause other complications. When you chip or fracture a tooth, quick restoration treatment is often necessary to prevent further harm. While many restorative treatment options take some time to fabricate, your dentist should be able to provide you with a temporary restoration right away. This can help protect your tooth while waiting for permanent treatment.
If you have a dental emergency, Foxhall Smiles is here to help. Call us today at
202-315-2188 to schedule an appointment and see what kind of emergency treatment you may need.