Situations That Warrant a Visit Before a Dental Checkup

Many dental professionals and institutions recommend biannual dental checkups to ensure no abnormalities are sneaking up to threaten patients' oral health. However, incidents can happen, warranting a trip to the dentist before a predestined time. Here are four situations or conditions that warrant an early phone call to our office.

1. Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums can be a sign of many things, but the two most prominent are gums disease and receding gums. Gum disease is a serious infection that ravages the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. It can cause bleeding gums, tooth mobility or loss, chronic bad breath, and more alarming symptoms. On the other hand, receding gums can be a direct result of brushing too hard, medication use, or advanced gum disease (periodontitis).

Regardless of the reason, patients should consult a dentist immediately if gums bleed persistently or only when completing oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing. Doing so can identify the root issue and provide early intervention.

2. Decay

Decay, or cavities, is a common condition among children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), decay affects one in four adults, half of the children and adolescents population, and one in six of those older than 65. Decay ravishes each layer of a tooth's structure to the point where the general dentist must remove large portions, or the tooth can become lost.

However, decay slowly develops, which is why biannual dental checkups are important. During these appointments, the dentist will check for signs of decay through physical examinations and X-rays and make recommendations that can reverse it or correct it. Detection requires an appointment separate from the initial dental checkup.

3. Tooth pain or sensitivity

Tooth pain or sensitivity is considered an urgent matter. It is always a symptom of a more serious, underlying condition. However, the source of the pain may not always be easily noticeable by the naked eye. Possible reasons can include infection, decay that has reached the pulp chamber, tooth displacement, or a tooth fracture. Regardless of when pain or sensitivity occurs, whether chronic or acute, contact a general dentist for a dental checkup. They can quickly diagnose the primary issue and make treatment recommendations.

4. Tooth fracture

Accidents happen, and many can result in a broken tooth. There are four types of fractures one can incur:

• Broken cusp
• Cracked tooth
• Split tooth
• Vertical root fracture

A fracture, even a small one, can start as harmless and worsen over time, tearing through each layer of a tooth. Once it reaches the pulp chamber or roots, bacteria can invade the area and cause infection and pain. Additionally, if a more obvious case of damage, though not considered a fracture, is a knocked-out tooth. A general dentist may be able to save the tooth if the patient consults the office and takes appropriate steps immediately following the incident.