There are two kinds of dental emergencies, the ones that are brought about by the trauma of a physical injury to the mouth or teeth and the ones that come from ignoring the symptoms of disease.

If you’re involved in an accident that results in having a tooth jarred loose or completely knocked out you should seek medical treatment immediately.  If the worst happens find the tooth and try to fit it back into the socket. The alternative is to keep the tooth in a cup of milk while en route to the dentist’s office.  Most dentists anticipate emergency situations and set aside appointment times during the day for just such purposes.  

Unless you are certain that your toothache is a result of something having been caught between your teeth, don’t just wait for the pain to subside on its own.  First of all it probably won’t and secondly some dental issues are identified by symptoms that come and go.  

We can usually feel when something changes in our body.  If you notice a difference in the color of your gums or if they become red or swollen it could signify the onset of gingivitis which is the early stage of gum disease.  Left untreated gingivitis will advance and may lead to tooth loss.

Bacteria produces the acids that can eat through the hard surface of tooth enamel to produce a cavity.  When this happens your tooth will become more sensitive causing pain from any exposure to heat or cold.  Don’t ignore this symptom.  The sooner you seek treatment the easier it will be.

With the regular six month checkups and cleanings that Rippe Dental Associates provide you should be able to avoid a serious dental issue but always contact us @ 303-779-9876 if unforeseen symptoms should arise.