No one ever plans for a dental emergency. But, knowing when to seek emergency dentistry could end up saving your teeth, smile, and pocketbook (read more about emergency dentistry here).
At Town & Country Dental, we offer 24/7 emergency services to help you in the event of a dental crisis. If you need help now, then don’t delay–call Dr. Thomas W. Wegner now at (708) 383-0330 or send us a quick message here.
If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, then keep reading. In this post, we discuss six signs that you may need emergency dentistry in Oak Park, IL.
1. Severe Pain
Whether it is sudden or persistent, severe pain is not normal. Therefore, if you are experiencing extreme pain, then it is best to contact Dr. Wegner as soon as possible.
While some pain (like minor tooth or gum sensitivity) may be relieved with at-home remedies, extreme pain must be addressed with a qualified dentist. Otherwise, patients may risk developing increasingly worse health issues, such as:
- Temporomandibular (jaw) joint dysfunction
- Dental infections
- Sepsis
2. Changes in Jaw Mobility
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) can cause the jaws to pop, click, or lock. Typically, popping or clicking jaws are a minor annoyance. But, locked jaws pose a serious risk to the patient.
Even if the jaw is not locked, changes in mobility may indicate that there is something more serious going on, like:
- Bacterial and viral Infections (including tetanus)
- Facial trauma
- Arthritis
If you cannot fully open or close your mouth, then contact our emergency dentist in Oak Park immediately.
3. Loose Teeth or Dental Restorations
Wiggly teeth and dental restorations (like dental crowns and fillings) are dental emergencies. Seeking help sooner rather than later could help you save your natural teeth and prevent costly repairs in the future.
4. Swelling
Swelling around the gums or jaws is a sign that something is wrong and requires immediate attention. If swelling is accompanied by a fever or gums and cheeks that feel warmer than usual, then contact Dr. Wegner immediately. A severe dental infection may be the culprit, and it must be treated before it spreads to the bloodstream.
5. Metallic or Foul Taste in the Mouth
Unusual tastes in the mouth may be due to bacterial infections or faulty dental restorations. If improvements in oral hygiene do not fix the problem, then it may be time to contact our Oak Park emergency dentist.
6. Mouth Sores That Do Not Heal
The occasional canker sore is nothing to worry about. But, if you have a mouth sore that does not heal after one to two weeks, then you may be dealing with something more serious than a canker sore.
Mouth sores that do not heal may be a sign of:
- Oral cancer
- Allergic reactions
- Celiac disease
- Bacterial, viral, yeast, or fungal infections (like oral thrush)
Seek Emergency Dentistry in Oak Park, IL
If you think that you may be dealing with a dental emergency, then contact the team at Town & Country Dental right away. Whether new or existing, all patients can reach our emergency dentist in Oak Park, IL, by calling (708) 383-0330 or by sending us a message online anytime.