Are you one of those people who ignore a dental emergency until it becomes unbearable? We get it. You’re busy, and a trip to the dentist isn’t always at the top of your priority list. But did you know that ignoring dental emergencies can have serious consequences? From excruciating pain to tooth loss, neglecting these issues can lead to long-term damage that could have been avoided.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental care. This can include a tooth that has been knocked out, a severe toothache, or an infection in the mouth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Delaying treatment for a dental emergency can lead to further damage to the teeth and gums. It can also make the condition more difficult to treat. In some cases, ignoring a dental emergency can even be life-threatening.
Signs That You Need Immediate Treatment
If you have a dental emergency, it is important to seek treatment right away. There are some signs that indicate you need immediate treatment:
- Severe tooth pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
- A tooth that has been knocked out
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Bleeding from the mouth that won’t stop
- Swelling in the mouth or face
The Impact of Ignoring a Dental Emergency
It’s no secret that ignoring a dental emergency can have serious consequences. But what many people don’t realize is that delaying treatment can also have a significant impact on your oral health.
When you delay treatment for a dental emergency, you’re not just putting your oral health at risk – you’re also increasing the chances that the condition will become more serious and costly to treat. In some cases, delaying treatment can even lead to permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
Infections, Fractures, and Cavities
There are a number of dental problems that can qualify as dental emergencies. Some of the most common include infections, fractures, and cavities. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to seek professional treatment right away.
Ignoring a dental emergency can have serious consequences. Infections, for example, can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Dental fractures can become worse and lead to tooth loss. Cavities can also become larger and cause extensive damage to teeth.
Damage to the Nerve, Gums, and Jawbone
When a dental emergency is ignored, the damage to the nerve, gums, and jawbone can be significant. The longer the emergency is ignored, the more extensive the damage will be. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to minimize the damage.
Tooth Loss or Discoloration
A knocked-out tooth or one that is significantly chipped or cracked is at risk of being lost forever if you don’t seek treatment right away. Even if the tooth can be saved, it may require extensive treatment to restore it to its original condition. Discoloration of a tooth can also be an early sign of decay, which if left untreated, can lead to pain, infection, and eventually tooth loss.
Severe Pain
When you are experiencing severe pain, it is important to seek dental care as soon as possible. Ignoring your pain can lead to serious consequences, such as infection, tooth loss, and damage to your jawbone. You may also be at risk for other health problems, such as heart disease if you have untreated dental problems. If you are in severe pain, contact your dentist or a local emergency room immediately.
Difficulty Eating, Chewing, and Swallowing
If you are experiencing difficulty eating, chewing, or swallowing, it is important to seek dental help immediately. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious problems, such as choking or aspirating food or liquids into your lungs. In severe cases, ignoring difficulty eating, chewing, or swallowing can result in death.
If you are having difficulty eating, chewing, or swallowing, the first thing you should do is call your dentist. If you are unable to reach your dentist, go to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait until your regular dental appointment to seek help – this could be too late.
Difficulty eating, chewing, and swallowing can be caused by a number of dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses, and oral cancer. Ignoring these symptoms will only make the problem worse and could lead to serious consequences.
Sensitivity to Heat/Cold
If you have a dental emergency, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Ignoring a dental emergency can lead to serious consequences, including Sensitivity to Heat/Cold.
When you have a toothache, the first thing you probably do is reach for ibuprofen. But what if the pain is so severe that over-the-counter medication doesn’t help? This could be a sign of a serious problem, like an infection, and ignoring it could lead to Sensitivity to Heat/Cold.
Swelling or Abscess
If you have a swelling or abscess in your mouth, it’s important to seek treatment right away. An abscess is a pocket of infection that can cause serious health complications if left untreated. Swelling can also be a sign of infection, so it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor. Waiting to seek treatment can lead to more serious health problems, including tooth loss, bone loss, and tissue damage.
Halitosis (Bad Breath)
One of the less talked about impacts of ignoring a dental emergency is halitosis or bad breath. When you have a toothache, it is likely that bacteria have infiltrated the tooth and started to cause decay. This decay not only causes pain but also emits an unpleasant odor. If the decay is left untreated, it will continue to spread and the odor will become more pronounced.
In addition to causing bad breath, ignoring a dental emergency can also lead to more serious problems like infection. If the bacteria from the decay enters your bloodstream, it can cause an infection that can be life-threatening. Even if the infection is not severe, it can still cause serious health problems like sepsis (a potentially fatal condition caused by infection).
Conclusion
A dental emergency can be a serious issue that requires prompt attention. Ignoring it can lead to further damage and discomfort, plus increase the chances of infection and other health risks. Taking action by calling an emergency dentist immediately is the best way to prevent more issues from arising. The following 8 impacts outlined in this article provide further reasoning as to why you should seek treatment right away if you find yourself in a dental emergency situation. Ultimately, your oral health is worth taking seriously, so don’t wait until it’s too late!
