Oral health is integral to our overall well-being. While many dental issues can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups, there are times when unexpected problems arise that demand immediate medical attention.
American adults have severe dental problems. The US CDC reports that 90 percent of US adults aged 20 and older have had at least one cavity. It’s also been reported that 25 percent of American adults have untreated dental decay. The US also sees several dental emergencies every year.
According to the American Dental Association, every year, the US sees around two million emergency visits to hospitals for dental pain. It’s also been observed that the number of people making such emergency visits is increasing every year.
Ignoring or delaying treatment for certain dental problems can lead to severe consequences, affecting not only oral health but also overall health. In this article, we will discuss a few dental problems that should never be ignored and require prompt professional intervention.
#1 Severe Toothache
Sudden toothaches are usually a sign of an underlying dental problem that requires immediate medical attention. These toothaches can be caused by cavities, infections, cracked teeth, etc. Ignoring a persistent toothache can lead to worsened pain, the spread of infection, and potential damage to the surrounding tissues.
Untreated dental infection can sometimes lead to dental abscess. This, in turn, can become a life-threatening condition if you don’t treat it properly.
#2 Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a collection of pus in the tooth. It forms due to a bacterial infection in the tooth or its surrounding tissues. Dental abscess leads to severe pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes fever.
Dental abscesses require urgent medical attention. Otherwise, as mentioned before, you could have to deal with a serious life-threatening condition. A dentist will typically drain the abscess, prescribe antibiotics, and provide the necessary treatment to eliminate the infection and prevent its recurrence.
#3 Knocked-Out Tooth
Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and a knocked-out tooth is a common result of such incidents. Whatever the reason for the knocking, a knocked-out tooth requires urgent medical action. As long as the tooth is re-implanted within the first hour, dentists might be able to save it.
Rinse the knocked tooth gently when you find it. Make sure you don’t scrub the root. Keep the tooth in milk while heading to the dentist. The longer the delay in seeking professional help, the lesser the chances of saving the tooth.
#4 Broken or Fractured Tooth
A broken or fractured tooth can occur due to various reasons, including biting into hard foods, accidents, or even a simple fall. The severity of the fracture varies, from minor chips to more significant breaks that expose the inner layers of the tooth.
Regardless of the extent of the damage, a broken tooth can be painful and vulnerable to infection. It’s essential to seek immediate dental attention to evaluate the extent of the fracture and determine the appropriate treatment like bonding, crowns, or other restorative measures.
In some cases, you might even have to opt for tooth extraction. As advised by the Dental Specialists of Southern Colorado, you might have to undergo gum grafting immediately after the tooth extraction.
Gum grafting & tooth extraction go hand in hand when it comes to ensuring healthy gums and overall good oral health. After dental surgery, grafting helps you avoid receding gums. That, in turn, preserves your existing bone mass and prevents further damage.
#5 Persistent Gum Bleeding
While minor gum bleeding can sometimes occur due to aggressive brushing or flossing, persistent and excessive bleeding is a cause for concern. It can indicate gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) or other underlying health issues such as bleeding disorders or vitamin deficiencies.
Ignoring persistent gum bleeding can lead to worsening gum disease, which can cause gum recession and tooth loss. A dentist can diagnose the cause of the bleeding and recommend appropriate treatment to address the issue before it escalates.
Conclusion
According to Forbes, dental work in the US will cost you anything between $58 and $1,800. These costs will vary depending on the type of dental treatment you’re seeking. However, whatever treatment you need, know that it’s not going to be a cheap and short process. Things will get even more complicated in terms of process lengthiness and costs if you delay regular checkups and emergency dentist visits.
Therefore, be aware of when you need to urgently visit a dentist. If you spot any of the above mentioned problems, you must seek urgent dental care. Apart from these, there might be other dental emergencies specific to you. For that, consult your dentist and prepare accordingly for any emergency.
Article edited and fact checked by our editorial team.