When To Call A Dentist: Everything You Need To Know

Knowing when to call a dentist for help is important regarding our oral health. Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, but immediate attention from a dentist is necessary in certain situations. 

Here, you will learn the various scenarios in which it is crucial to call a dentist. Recognizing the signs and symptoms that require dental intervention can help prevent further complications and ensure proper treatment. 

So, if you are experiencing any oral discomfort or have concerns about your dental health, continue reading to the end to know when to seek professional help.

When Should You Call A Dentist?

You need to call a dentist whenever you have an oral issue because that is their job that they have trained for and can help you best handle the situation. 

There are several oral problems that may necessitate a dentist intervention, and common ones include sudden severe toothache, bleeding gums, bad breath, and chipped teeth, among others.

How Can A Dentist Help You?

Dentists are crucial in maintaining and improving our oral health. From routine checkups to complex procedures, they offer various services to ensure our teeth and gums stay top shape. Here is how a dentist can help improve your oral health.

• Whiten your teeth

Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored due to smoking, drinking coffee or tea, or poor oral hygiene. 

A dentist can use professional-grade whitening treatments to remove these stains and restore the natural brightness of your teeth. 

They will carefully assess your dental health and recommend the most appropriate whitening method, ensuring a safe and effective outcome.

• Checkups and cleaning

These preventive measures are essential in maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. 

During a checkup, the dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of decay or other issues. 

They will also perform cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which cannot be effectively removed through regular brushing alone.

• Teeth filling

A tooth filling is a common dental procedure to repair teeth damaged by decay or cavities. 

The dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the resulting space with dental filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam. This not only restores the tooth’s functionality but also prevents further decay.

• Replace the missing teeth.

A dentist can help replace missing teeth using various options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants are considered the most durable and natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth. 

The dentist will surgically place a metal post into your jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root.

A crown is then attached to the implant, providing a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. And guess what? You can’t do this at home, so you need a dentist.

• Teeth extraction

Sometimes, teeth must be extracted due to severe damage, crowding, or infection. Dentists perform extractions safely and efficiently, minimizing discomfort and ensuring a smooth recovery. They may also provide options for tooth replacement following an extraction.

• Implant Restoration

If you have dental implants that need restoration or repair, a dentist can help with implant restoration. 

It involves replacing any damaged or worn-out parts of the implant to ensure proper functioning and longevity.

Common Dental Symptoms Never To Ignore

Part of caring for oral health involves paying attention to common dental symptoms that might lead to problems. 

These symptoms may seem minor at first, but they can indicate underlying issues that, if left untreated, could lead to more significant problems. 

• Bad breath

Persistent bad breath halitosis can be embarrassing and socially isolating. 

While it’s often linked to poor oral hygiene, it can signal gum disease, cavities, or even more severe medical conditions. Regular dental checkups can help identify and address the root cause of bad breath.

• Tooth pain

Toothaches are a clear sign that something is amiss. It can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing pain. 

They can result from tooth decay, infection, or gum disease. Ignoring tooth pain can lead to more extensive damage and, in severe cases, may even require a root canal or tooth extraction.

• Increased tooth sensitivity

Increased tooth sensitivity is a common dental symptom that many people experience. 

It is characterized by a sharp pain or discomfort when consuming hot or cold food and beverages or when exposed to air. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by enamel erosion, gum recession, or tooth decay.

• Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing can be an early sign of gum disease (gingivitis). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more severe gum disease (periodontitis), leading to tooth loss.

If you notice bleeding in your gums after brushing your teeth, book an appointment with the vet.

• Severe dry mouth

Severe dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be more than an uncomfortable sensation. 

It can be caused by various factors such as medication side effects, stress, dehydration, or certain medical conditions. If you experience persistent dry mouth, it is essential to consult a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

• Snoring

While snoring itself is not a dental symptom, it can be related to a dental issue called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can lead to interrupted breathing during sleep, resulting in poor sleep quality and severe health problems. 

Dentists can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea with devices like oral appliances to keep airways open during sleep.

Conclusion

By now, you should know when to call a dentist. Regular dental checkups are recommended every six months to prevent any potential dental issues from escalating. 

However, certain situations require immediate attention from a dentist. These include severe toothaches, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and dental trauma such as a broken or knocked-out tooth. 

Additionally, any signs of infection or swelling in the mouth should not be ignored and addressed promptly by a dental professional. 

Remember, early intervention is key in preventing further complications and ensuring optimal dental health.