You may have some tooth pain. Your gums may bleed a little after your floss. You may have pain in your jaw. Some oral health problems can be treated at home, but others cannot. How do you know if these issues are serious enough to see a dentist?
Lack of oral health care leads to problems ranging from bad breath and sensitive teeth to lost teeth and cancer. Prevention is always better than treatment. Don’t take chances with your dental health.
Seven Dental Emergencies
If you have any of the seven problems listed below, you should call our office and see us as soon as possible. The good news is that general dentists know how to handle these problems:
You’ve Been Missed A Routine Cleaning And Exam
General dentistry, routine cleanings, and examinations are your best defense against serious gum and tooth problems. Regular cleaning at home can’t keep our mouths in optimum shape.
Tooth Pain
Serious tooth pain is the most common single reason for visits after routine dental hygiene. Cavities are a common cause of tooth pain. Chronic or acute sinus problems can put pressure on the nerves in your upper jaw, which can show up in tooth pain. General dentist training equips every dental school graduate with the skill to diagnose and treat the problem.
Broken Or Chipped Teeth Call For Dental Care
A chipped or broken tooth can be painful, and it can open you up to a mouth infection. Naturally, chipped and broken teeth never get better on their own. Your only treatment option is to consult with a dentist. He or she may recommend dental surgery to repair the tooth or extract it.
Swollen, Red, or Bleeding Gums
Dentists see these symptoms regularly. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are common causes of these issues. Oral medicine is a standard treatment for these problems. Improved dental care may be all it takes to get these gum problems under control, along with some prescription medicine.
Sensitive Teeth
This problem can happen when the protective enamel gets worn away by wear and tear. Hot or cold foods tend to irritate the nerve. General dentists tend to be experienced in diagnosing the cause and treating it. Your dentist may prescribe oral medication to treat the sensitivity.
Jaw Pain And Constant Headaches
These indicate a condition called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The TMJ is the joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull. Patients with TMJ problems may need oral surgery. If you have acute jaw pain or migraines, talk to a dentist as soon as you can.
Bruxism
The medical term for teeth grinding. It is involuntary clenching, gnashing, or grinding, leading to a stiff or sore jaw. It can be a sign of sleep apnea. Children and adults both have this problem sometimes. An oral appliance in the form of a tooth guard may be prescribed to patients with this issue. Dr. Beshar will describe this device in more detail if you or your child need to treat bruxism.
Poor oral health causes or contributes to a range of dental problems, but any general dentist can help you do the right things at the right time. Depending on how serious the problem is, Dr. Beshar and his team will treat you in the office or refer you to a dental specialist for help.
How Does a Person Maintain Good Oral Health?
Good dental hygiene is the key to avoiding or treating those seven problems. General dentistry provides the second line of defense through routine cleaning services. Dentists recommend a cleaning every six months as the best defense against oral diseases.
Dr. Beshar and his staff do routine x-rays and physically inspect a patient’s mouth. If their evaluation reveals a problem, like gum disease, you will learn about the next steps and recommendations. If you have a real emergency, we can do many dental procedures right away.
Many dental patients can forget about oral cancer. Testing for this has become a routine procedure in dentist offices.
What Is The Role Of General Dentistry In Prevention?
A general dentist is your primary care provider and your first stop to get treatment. He or she may refer you to an oral surgeon or work with a periodontist, a dental specialty that complements general dentistry. A periodontist is an oral health care provider who focuses on gums and the support structure under the teeth.
Dr. Beshar’s office has the people and equipment to provide a full range of general dentistry services. Prevention is the key to good oral health, but our office can do procedures that address urgent dental issues.
There is good news about the above-mentioned dental emergencies. Most of the time, your regular dentist will be able to treat you. Cavities can be filled at the dentist’s office.
Dentists often prescribe oral medications. Dr. Beshar can also take care of fillings, crowns, and bridges. Don’t hesitate to schedule a visit if you may need one of those things.
What Is An Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon?
This is a dental specialty requiring years of dental training and surgical practice. You may have learned that some problems need an oral surgeon of one kind or another. These specialists deal with conditions of the oral cavity and face, and jaw.
Some patients, including those with missing teeth, may need treatment from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Reasons to see a surgeon could include:
- Bridges or other dental implants – Your may be referred to an oral surgeon for a bridge or other implant as they are trained in implant placement.
- Socket Repair – You may need to visit an oral surgeon to repair a damaged tooth socket.
- Cancer surgery – If your dentist detects oral cancer, an oral surgeon may become involved in your treatment by removing cancer or repairing damage to your jaw from surgery.
Dental surgery is pretty advanced these days. If you suspect that you need a tooth pulled, a root canal, or an implant, don’t hesitate to consult with us. We will be happy to discuss your treatment options.
What Else Can Dental Medicine Treat?
It may not seem like it, but obstructive sleep apnea is one problem general dentists can diagnose. Sleep apnea results when an obstruction in the windpipe makes it hard to breathe at night. Bruxism may be a sign of sleep apnea.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, please make an appointment right away. Our dental office is equipped to handle a wide range of dental problems. Our office also has deep experience in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and pediatric dentistry.
Contact our office today to schedule an exam.