Many patients are hesitant to contact their emergency dentist in Irving for treatment because they don’t want to make a big deal out of a small problem. Unfortunately, this commonly results in the issue becoming even more advanced and difficult to treat. If you’re experiencing out-of-the-ordinary symptoms or oral discomfort, these are good signs that you need urgent dental care. Read on for four signs to look out for that prove you need to see an emergency dentist.
A Swollen Jaw
Although people associate a swollen jaw with a physical or trauma-based injury, that isn’t always the case. If you notice some puffiness on your face and aren’t sure what’s causing it, it could be the result of a tooth infection. Some other signs to look out for include a fever or a bad taste in your mouth. These are all clear indications that you require urgent treatment from your dentist in Irving. To help bring down the swelling, you can place an ice pack on the area for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. Using heat on the infection will only cause it to spread and progress faster, so be sure to avoid this.
An Oral Sore That Won’t Disappear
If you notice any type of canker sore or lesion that won’t seem to go away on its own within two weeks, it’s cause for serious concern. Oral sores are a normal occurrence for a lot of people, but when they don’t heal in a timely manner or only get worse, it could mean that they’re infected or that there’s a larger issue that needs to be addressed.
A Tooth is Numb
If you experience a severe toothache and then all of a sudden that tooth goes numb, that’s not a good sign. Numbness is a common sign that a tooth infection has spread to the root and killed the nerves that were causing you pain in the first place. Even though your discomfort may be gone, the problem likely still lingers, and you should visit your emergency dentist right away to stop it from spreading.
A Metal Taste in Your Mouth
A metallic taste in your mouth can be a sign of a couple of different problems. If you have a metal filling or crown, it could signal that your restoration is either broken or leaking, leaving your tooth unprotected against harmful oral bacteria. This is also a common sign of a severe tooth infection as well. However, if the issue is being caused by your restoration, it’s important to get it repaired or replaced immediately, before a tooth infection arises.
If you have an urge to contact your emergency dentist in Irving but are holding back, it’s best to listen to your gut. Most of the time, when you’re experiencing out-of-the-ordinary symptoms and believe you have a serious problem on your hands, there likely is one. With your emergency dentist’s help, you can ease your pain and restore your oral health so you don’t have to worry anymore.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has over a decade of experience providing his patients with high-quality emergency dental care that takes away their discomfort and preserves their smile. He regularly takes advanced educations courses to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technology in his field. Some of these include pediatric dentistry, sedation, and cosmetic treatment. For questions or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur’s website or call 972-546-4114.