When to See Your Emergency Dentist in St. Pete

When to See Your Emergency Dentist in St. Pete

If you have low-level, persistent discomfort in your teeth, gums, or jaw, you may think you can wait a few days to see your dentist at a routine visit. However, certain cases are so dangerous or cause so much agony that the only alternative is to schedule an emergency dental appointment and be seen as soon as possible.

Reasons You Might Need an Emergency Dentist Visit

You do not have to be “tough” or put up with unexplainable discomfort or swelling. Waiting too long might lead to more significant problems later on. I’m not sure what has to be addressed and what can wait a few days. Here are a few reasons you should schedule an emergency dental consultation as soon as possible.

A Tooth That Has Been Broken or Knocked Out

A badly fractured tooth may be giving you so much agony that you cannot function. A permanent tooth knocked out will bleed all over the place. Without prompt treatment for either circumstance, you will most likely be unhappy and may permanently lose that tooth. Worse, if you wait too long to get treatment, the solution may be considerably more intrusive and costly.

Fillings or Crowns That Are Missing

When a crown or filling comes loose, you may notice it right away. And sometimes, all you have on your tongue is a peculiar taste of pennies. Don’t ignore the flavor sensation; instead, go to an emergency dentist as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you may need a far more intrusive (and frequently feared) operation such as a root canal.

Tooth Pain That Isn’t Explainable

Maybe you bit down incorrectly or don’t know what occurred, but your mouth hurts. You get the sensation that your teeth are on fire. Even the air is painful. our friends over at Shreveport Dental Solutions, a dentist in Shreveport LA, talk about how while several factors might cause sudden and unexplained tooth pain, don’t put up with it for a few days until you can arrange an appointment during regular office hours. Instead, schedule an emergency dental appointment.

Gums That Bleed

When you have established conditions like gum disease or plaque buildup, it’s not uncommon for your gums to bleed slightly. Hopefully, you’re collaborating with your dentist to strengthen your gums and address any underlying dental or health issues. However, if your gums start to bleed and do not stop, or if you have discomfort or swelling, you should visit a dentist near you right away. Get in as soon as possible.

Tooth Abscess

You may be unaware that you have an abscessed tooth, but you will be in agony. You cannot speak, breathe, drink, or eat because the thought of anything touching your teeth is excruciating. Don’t wait until Monday or Tuesday to suffer. Instead, make an appointment with an emergency dentist to get the tooth repaired and the discomfort relieved.

Nerves Exposed

The pain from an exposed nerve, like an abscessed tooth, may be terrible. It’s almost hard to go about your typical evening or weekend activities. If the pain disappears quickly, you may have an exposed nerve or an abscessed tooth. This does not imply that the Tooth Fairy exists and that you have been healed. Instead, it might signify that the nerve has been so destroyed that you can no longer feel anything. This is an issue.

A Swollen Mouth

No, swelling in your jaw or mouth for no apparent cause is not normal or usual. Swelling, on the other hand, may be caused by many factors, ranging from enlarged lymph nodes to an infection in your mouth or jaw. Cancer may cause it in very rare circumstances. It’s better to come in for an emergency dental visit since there’s not always a reliable way to tell. You may be in such severe agony that you need to visit the dentist more than the swelling. Don’t delay, no matter whatever aspect bothers you the most.

Contact 4th Street Family Dentistry Today

Emergency dental visits were probably not an option decades ago. You had to suffer through your discomfort or yank your own teeth out back in the day. Nobody should have to go through a dental emergency in the twenty-first century. Instead, take advantage of your dentist’s emergency dental treatment near you. If they do not provide it, look for a dental clinic that can assist you in any dental emergency.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

4th Street Family Dentistry - Do I Need a Root Canal?

Do I Need a Root Canal?

For many patients, just hearing the simple words “root canal” are enough to strike fear and set off anxiety. According to Dr. Leeson, the root canal procedure has a bad reputation, which is very much undeserved. If your tooth pain is severe enough to warrant the procedure, you’ll find that undergoing the procedure can prove to be a relief. It can also reduce your risk of losing the tooth.

You may be wondering if you will need a root canal when you next visit with your St. Petersburg FL dentist Dr. Leeson. While you truly won’t know whether or not you could benefit from the procedure, there are some signs that you may need to have root canal treatment. 

Severe Tooth Pain

The clearest sign of an issue with a tooth is experiencing tooth pain. It’s not unusual to experience tooth pain, but what sets this pain apart will be the fact that you experience more pain when you eat, chew or otherwise apply pressure to the tooth.

The pain may be serious enough that it keeps you up at night, and does not respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers.

Discoloration in the Tooth

A tooth that is infected and suffering from serious decay may also change color. You may start to notice that a tooth that has been giving you a bit of trouble is starting to darken. Dr. Moghadam, a dentist in Easton, PA, says that this is due to the dentin inside of the tooth being infected or dead as a result of the infection. While this may give cause for embarrassment and concern, your cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Leeson can offer solutions to restore the look of your tooth. A crown is often used after the root canal treatment to reinforce the tooth. A crown can restore the look of a healthy tooth instantly.

Tooth Sensitivity 

Tooth sensitivity isn’t entirely rare. Many people do have some type of sensitivity in their teeth. The fact that you experience sensitivity when enjoying cold or hot food and drinks do not necessarily mean that you will need root canal therapy. The key difference is that once you remove the source of the sensitivity and discomfort, the pain should stop if it’s not severe decay in the tooth. If it is, and you are in need of a root canal procedure, the sensitivity and discomfort will linger for some time. You may need to consider taking pain relievers before you can get the relief that you need.

Inflammation of the Gums

Did you know that it’s not just the tooth that can be symptomatic when it comes to an infection inside of the tooth’s root canals? Your gums can show some signs that the nearby painful tooth is in need of root canal therapy. Your gums may be swollen, tender to the touch and you may see a small, raised white bump on them. Our friend Dr. Josh Eastham, an emergency dentist in Grand Junction, says that if you are experiencing gum inflammation, that it’s important to see a dental professional before the problem worsens. Gum inflammation can lead to gum disease, which eventually causes permanent tooth loss.

According to your emergency dentist in St. Pete, there may be no immediate and outward indication that you are in need of root canal therapy. This is why it is so important to keep up with your routine checkups every six months. Pay a visit to the best dentist in St. Petersburg and learn more about the overall health of your teeth and gums. At 4th Street Family Dentistry, we love to keep you smiling.