When You Should See Your Dentist Right Away

We’ve all been there – the car is making a strange noise, you have a pain in your toe, you have a dripping faucet. The question is always: do you call a professional right away, or do you wait for a bit to see if the problem goes away on its own? It can be difficult to decide, but there are certain situations that call for immediate help. Read on for some times when you don’t want to wait to get help with a dental issue; times when you or your child should see a dentist right away.

Toothache

A toothache may be caused by a damaged filling, an infection, or tooth decay. If your toothache is causing you so much pain that you can’t eat, or you think you may have a fever because of it, it is time to see your dentist.

A filling that has come out

Without a filling, that empty space in your tooth can easily collect food particles and bacteria. See your dentist as soon as possible to protect your tooth and avoid infection.

A broken tooth

A broken tooth is painful, and if it is left untreated it can become very sensitive. Bacteria can accumulate inside the tooth and cause an infection, or it may have a sharp edge that can cut your tongue or cheek. And, it may be at risk for nerve damage.

An impacted tooth

You may not even realize you have an impacted tooth until you start noticing pain. An impacted tooth is one that doesn’t grow in properly because there is not enough room. The wisdom teeth are usually the teeth that are impacted, which is often a reason that their removal is recommended.

Of course, if you ever notice pain or discomfort in your teeth or gums, or your child complains of tooth pain, you shouldn’t hesitate – you should make an appointment right away. And, make sure you do all you can to prevent problems, by seeing your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups and taking good care of your teeth every day. Contact Soft Touch Dentistry, at the Brighton office at (617) 782-9250 or the Newton office at (617) 332-8146!