Do I Need a Dentist? We Have the Answers You're Looking For

We all do what we’re supposed to do, it’s certain. We all have our regular check-ups at the dentist twice a year. We all have regular cleanings. The question we have is what constitutes a dental emergency? When are the special circumstances that we might need to visit a dentist other than for routine dental maintenance?  When you need to see a dentist, you will want to choose the most skilled dental professional to help you, especially in an emergency situation.

Tooth Damage

Tooth damage can occur to anyone. A car accident, a sudden fall, or jolt can cause a tooth to be dislodged or knocked out. If this happens, you will definitely need the services of a dentist. However, there are a few things you can do if this happens.

If a tooth is loosened or dislodged by a sudden blow, leave it where it is and do not try to remove it yourself. It may not be lost but you will need to be seen by a dentist ASAP to see if the tooth can be restored. If the tooth is knocked out of the mouth completely, the following steps need to be taken. Pick up the tooth by the crown or the chewing part, avoiding the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it but don’t use any cleaning supplies. If you can replace the tooth in the socket, do so, but if you can’t, keep the tooth moist in a drugstore solution, a glass of milk or lightly salted water so the root does not dry. Once this is done, go immediately to a dentist too see if the tooth can be reattached.

A broken tooth may require a crown or an extraction. See a dentist immediately.

Gum disease

Some of the signs of gum disease are tender, red or swollen gums, or gums that bleed during brushing or flossing. Also, gums that are receding from the teeth causing separation, lengthening, or a change in the way the teeth come together are also indicators. Gum disease is a serious issue. It’s caused when the plaque on the teeth hardens into a tarter. This tarter becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which then starts to eat away at the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. The teeth become loose and fall out.

A periodontist is a dental specialist who deals specifically with gum disease. Prevention or treatment in the early stages requires removal of the plaque and tarter by scaling. At more advanced stages of the disease, the gums will be treated with antibiotics. If damage has occurred to the gum and bone, surgical solutions may be required to replace the damaged pieces.

Other emergencies include severe toothache, excessive bleeding, or dislocation of the teeth. If any of these situations occur, see a dentist as soon as possible. These are just a few scenarios that could necessitate finding your way to a dentist very quickly. When you are searching for a dentist, Colorado Springs CO has several qualified professionals available to see you.