The cost of dental-related visits to the emergency department exceeds $2 billion in the US each year. Within a single year, there were over two million dental-related emergency department visits. Unfortunately, many patients don't know how to recognize a dental emergency.

Here are eight signs you should visit your emergency dentist in Clemmons, NC right away. If these dental problems sound familiar, don't hesitate to seek care. Otherwise, complications can develop.

Read on to learn more.

1. A Severe Toothache

Many patients shrug off a minor toothache, only for the problem to resolve itself in a few hours. If you experience moderate tooth pain that doesn't fade, seek emergency dental care. Other signs you should visit an emergency dentist include a toothache accompanied by:

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Severe pain or discomfort
• A fever
• Waking up at night

These symptoms could indicate you have an untreated dental cavity or infected tooth. Both dental issues require immediate care. 

Untreated dental cavities are now the most common health condition worldwide. About two million people suffer from caries of permanent teeth. 

When left unattended, your toothache might lead to swelling around other areas of your face. You might experience bleeding that doesn't stop as well. Visit your Clemmons dentist right away for treatment. 

2. A Loose Tooth

If you have good oral health, you shouldn't have a wiggly or loose tooth. Ensuring your teeth are structurally sound will allow you to eat and speak properly. Otherwise, you might notice you have a difficult time chewing, which could lead to digestive issues.

You might also develop a lisp or have a difficult time pronouncing certain words due to a loose tooth.

If a tooth starts feeling loose or wiggles within its socket, you might want to seek emergency dental care. 

It's possible you sustained a dental injury after a car or sporting accident. An incident can damage your jaw or tooth, causing the tooth to become loose from its once-secure socket.

You might have a severe, localized infection due to an untreated dental cavity. Gum disease (gingivitis) could cause your teeth to become loose as well. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, which can increase your risk of losing teeth. 

Regardless of the cause, a loose tooth won't resolve itself without dental care. Seek same-day dentistry services right away. Your Clemmons dentist will perform an X-ray and exam to determine the root cause of the problem.

Immediate treatment could ensure you don't lose the tooth. Other complications include tooth extraction or an infection. 

3. Bleeding Gums

If your gums have started bleeding when you brush or floss, it could indicate you have gum disease (gingivitis). Other symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Mouth sores
• Bad breath
• Reddish gums
• Swollen gums
• Tender gums

When left untreated, your gums will begin receding.

Gingivitis is inflammation that develops when plaque builds around your teeth and gums. While gingivitis alone isn't an emergency, it can lead to complications without immediate treatment. At its advanced stage (periodontitis), your risk of losing teeth increases. 

Let your dentist know if your gums bleed more often. This could indicate a bigger health issue. 

If you experience chills, a fever, swelling, or vomiting in addition to bleeding and swollen gums, seek emergency dentistry services right away. 

4. A Dental Abscess

A dental abscess develops at the root of a tooth. It usually occurs when a cavity or gum disease isn't treated in time. Breaking or chipping a tooth (oro-dental trauma) can also lead to an abscess. 

A dental abscess will not heal on its own. This dental emergency requires immediate treatment, usually through a root canal. 

When left untreated, the infection can spread to your jaw and gums. The tooth will continue decaying. Your dentist will eventually need to extract the tooth if it doesn't fall out on its own. 

If you notice a foul taste in your mouth, swollen glands, or a fever, talk to your dentist right away. They can drain and treat the infection before complications develop. 

5. A Swollen Jaw

If your jaw appears swollen, it could indicate an infection. You might also develop a fever, a bad taste in your mouth, or difficulty swallowing. If these symptoms sound familiar, seek emergency dental care right away.

Your Clemmons dentist will determine if you have a bacterial infection. An infection can occur due to a blockage in the salivary glands. Your saliva will struggle to wash away bacteria and break down food, which can lead to a salivary gland infection. 

6. Constant Headaches

Chronic headaches often indicate an underlying issue. Visit your emergency dentist if you also notice:

• Pain behind the eyes
• Sore jaw muscles
• A toothache
• A jaw that clicks/pops

These symptoms could indicate an underlying dental issue.

For example, perhaps your muscles are overworked because you're grinding your teeth (bruxism). Bruxism can wear down your protective tooth enamel, increasing your risk of tooth decay. 

You might also experience pain due to a misaligned bite, infection, or damaged tooth. 

If over-the-counter pain relievers aren't helping, talk to your dentist right away. 

7. Altered Taste

If your mouth tastes like metal, it could indicate you have a cracked or loose dental filling. Your dentist can replace the filling before bacteria causes an infection or cavity.

You might also notice a foul taste in your mouth if you have gingivitis.

8. Constant Fatigue

If you're experiencing chronic, persistent fatigue, it could indicate your body is fighting off an infection. Sleep apnea and bruxism can cause fatigue as well.

Visit your emergency dentist to determine the underlying cause of your fatigue before there are complications. 

Visit Your Emergency Dentist in Clemmons, NC

Do any of these dental emergencies sound familiar? Don't hesitate to visit your emergency dentist in Clemmons, NC. Immediate treatment can save you from developing complications. 

With emergency dentistry services, you can save your smile and improve your oral health. 

Need to schedule an appointment right away? We're here for you.

Contact us now to schedule your appointment.