If you're like most people, you have a dental exam and cleaning approximately every 6 months to make sure your teeth stay in good health. If you're dealing with a mild dental issue, such as some sensitivity when you bite down, you can normally wait and have it addressed at your next checkup. But sometimes, it may be wise to call your dentist and move that checkup up. In particular, you should move up your dental checkup if you experience any of the following issues.
A lost filling or crown
If you have a dental filling, a crown, or any other type of restoration that falls off or becomes loose, then you need to call the dentist for a prompt appointment. It's not safe to walk around with a missing restoration for more than a couple of days. Bacteria and food can get stuck in the spot and accelerate the rate of decay. If you wait too long, you may end up needing to have the tooth removed. Act quickly, though, and your dentist is more likely to be able to replace the restoration in kind.
Persistent gum soreness or redness
If your gums get a little sore or red, it is safe to assume you have the beginnings of gum disease. Brush more thoroughly, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. This will usually clear things up. If it does not, and you're still dealing with gum soreness and redness a week or two later, then you should move up your dental appointment. Your dentist may need to remove some tartar from your gum line to get the gum disease to heal. You may also need a topical antibiotic gel to apply to your gums.
Pain when biting down
If you feel abject pain when you bite down on your food, then you need to call your dentist and move your appointment ahead. You could have a cavity or some decay in the root of one of your teeth, and if these problems are not addressed soon, you may end up with a really serious toothache. Seeing the dentist about the problem now can prevent the pain from ever becoming that serious.
Minor dental concerns can often wait until your next appointment, but if you have any doubt, just call and ask to make an appointment sooner. Your dentist will be glad you're being proactive about caring for your teeth and gums.
Share20 April 2021
The average dentist takes many client appointments each day and also deals with emergency situations on a regular basis. Dental emergencies are very common because people are likely to put off having tooth pain fixed until the pain becomes unbearable. Some people have anxiety about dental visits, and others are trying to avoid the expense of dental care. In either case, the end result is often a dental emergency. I have worked as a professional dental hygienist for many years and have seen all types of dental emergencies. I hope that this blog will help people identify potential emergencies before they become too serious and will allow people to know when to get help.
