When it comes to going to the dentist, people tend to procrastinate. However, procrastination can make the situation much worse. Your oral health may require a trip to a Boca Raton emergency dentist. Find out when you should stop procrastinating and see an emergency dentist.

When Do You Need a Boca Raton Emergency Dentist?

Many individuals question whether or not they need an emergency dentist. However, there’s one simple way to help you determine if you need urgent care. If you’re contemplating seeing an emergency dentist, you probably need one. When it comes to your dental health, waiting too long can cause serious damage. It’s best to play it safe and see a dentist as early as possible.

1. Severe Tooth Pain

Minor tooth pain might be a sign of a cavity. However, severe tooth pain is a sign of a severe problem. Often, it’s due to an abscess or an out of control cavity. The pain can be so bad that it keeps you from sleeping, socializing, and eating. If you have severe tooth pain, you need to see a Boca Raton emergency dentist.

When you get to the dentist, he can analyze the situation and find a treatment plan. To get a diagnosis and treatment plan, he may need to do dental X-rays. There are several reasons that you might have tooth pain. However, one of the most common reasons is a cavity. A cavity develops when plaque forms on your teeth. The plaque produces acid, which starts to destroy your teeth. As this happens, your inner tooth can become exposed. This leads to tooth pain and infections.

In the event of an infection, you can develop an abscess. Treating a cavity is as simple as getting a filling. However, an abscess could require a root canal or a tooth extraction.

2. A Knocked Out Tooth

A knocked out tooth is a very urgent situation. If you have a knocked out tooth, you need to get to your Boca Raton emergency dentist as soon as possible. In fact, most dentists recommend getting there within 30 minutes of losing your tooth. A dentist may be able to replace your tooth in the socket and stabilize it. After a few weeks, your dentist could perform a root canal to replace your tooth permanently. If the tooth cannot safely go back in the socket, the dentist might need to substitute the tooth with an implant.

There are a few things that you can do to increase the likelihood of using your original tooth. You need to be very careful when you handle the tooth and avoid touching the roots. Additionally, you can rinse the tooth with milk or water. While you wait to see the emergency dentist, you can store it in a cup of milk or water. Of course, the quicker you get to the dentist, the more likely it is that he can save your tooth.

3. Gum Disease

When gum disease progresses, it can lead to serious problems. You could lose teeth or require oral surgery. In the advanced stages, gum disease is known as periodontitis. If you suffer from this, you need to see a Boca Raton emergency dentist. Only a dentist can effectively treat the disease and save your teeth. If the disease progresses enough, you may need emergency surgery to remove your teeth. More minor cases of gum disease can be remedied with medication and a thorough teeth cleaning.

Although gum disease is preventable, it occurs frequently. If you have red or swollen gums, you might suffer from gum disease. Other signs are bad breath and bleeding in your gums. The infection can be quite painful. Much like tooth decay, gum disease is a result of bacteria growth. The bacteria can cause an infection in your gums, which starts to affect your teeth.

4. A Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth isn’t only a cosmetic issue. It can also be painful and could result in you losing your tooth. If you have a cracked tooth, you should see a Boca Raton emergency dentist as soon as possible. He can examine your tooth and determine what treatment it requires. For temporary pain relief, you can apply a cold compress to your face. This could reduce any swelling and numb some of the pain.

While a minor chip may only require a filling, a major chip could require a cap. If you fail to see a dentist, the chip could worsen. It could leave your root exposed, which could result in an infection. If you want to avoid the pain and complications of an oral infection, you should see your dentist immediately. Only a dentist can ensure that the damage doesn’t worsen.