If you’re having a Dental Emergency in Houston, call the office of Dr. Dan Chu.

Many dental emergencies are obvious, and there are some that are more subtle. If you fall and knock out a tooth, it’s a pretty difficult situation to ignore.

Many true dental emergencies are much more subtle, however. They can be a result of a gradual decline in tooth or gum health that builds over time until you have a genuine emergency on your hands that requires prompt expert care. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of these more subtle types of dental emergencies so that you can get the care you need to keep the situation from getting worse. If subtle dental emergencies are left too long, more severe damage or decay can occur that results in infection, loss of teeth, or gum disease that is difficult to treat. If you have a dental emergency in Houston, we know you will want to know how to recognize the issue and receive prompt treatment for it to prevent any long term repercussions.

Detecting Symptoms of Dental Emergencies

Unlike a tooth lost due to a forceful blow or a sporting accident, subtle types of dental emergencies can be harder to detect because they tend to be slow developing issues that go on for an extended period of time without your knowledge.

Tooth decay and cavities are a perfect example of this type of dental emergency. Cavities usually start very small and don’t make themselves known right away, which is one reason why regular dental checkups are so important. Over time if left untreated, these cavities get larger and become more difficult to treat with a simple filling. At times, the tooth can become so badly damaged that the decay extends to the inner pulp of the tooth or the tooth root becomes damaged, in which case a root canal treatment is usually needed in order to save the tooth.

The following are some of the most common symptoms associated with slowly developing issues that lead to true dental emergencies.

* Tooth pain that worsens with time

We all experience toothaches from time to time. These can be brought about by any number of things and are often caused by a small cavity that is easy to fix with a simply filling. If you are experiencing persistent and recurrent tooth pain, pain around the gums, or discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas, you will want to visit a dentist for a complete evaluation to determine the root cause of your discomfort. Tooth decay left untreated for too long only results in more damage that is harder, more time consuming, and more expensive to treat.

* Tooth and Gum Sensitivity

Another very common issue is teeth that are overly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. This can be a sign of deeper decay that needed to be taken care of or it can signify potentially cracked or otherwise damaged teeth. Lastly, this symptom can also alert you that there may be an infection present that requires prompt treatment.

* Pain Upon Biting or Chewing

Pain when eating can be a very disturbing symptom that causes a great deal of distress. If you experience tooth pain while biting into or chewing foods, it is likely that you have a deeper cavity or tooth decay present that needs to be taken care of right away. Again, if this type of decay is left untreated for too long, the soft pulp of the tooth can be permanently damaged or the root of the tooth can eventually become exposed. This results in a great deal of pain and generally requires a root canal or a complete removal of the tooth.

* Pain That Extends to the Jaw or Neck

Pain or swelling of the jaw, neck, and surrounding areas is also a sign of a potential infection or severely decayed or damaged teeth that require immediate treatment. Infections in the mouth and teeth that are left untreated can cause serious complications, so prompt evaluation and treatment to eradicate the infection and support healing of the tooth is very important.

Prevention of Dental Emergencies

The best way to prevent a dental emergency is to not have one at all. Of course, some emergencies cannot be avoided, such as accidental trauma to the teeth. However, these subtle forms of dental emergencies can often be avoided entirely by proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups and tooth cleaning services.

A proper brushing and flossing routine is a great place to start in supporting healthy gums and teeth. Brushing and flossing a minimum of twice a day is highly recommended. If you eat acidic foods or sweet treats often, it may be best to brush and floss even more frequently. Visit your dentist regularly, preferably every 6 months, to have your teeth evaluated for the presence of any problems and to have a thorough cleaning done.

We know you pride yourself on a healthy and attractive smile, so if you find yourself experiencing a dental emergency in Houston, contact our office immediately to schedule a complete evaluation and to receive prompt and compassionate care. You only have one set of teeth, so keep them healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

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