When It's Time for Urgent Dental Care

If you're like most people, you probably have a natural inclination to overlook signs that it's time for a trip to your Philadelphia dentist. While a cracked or chipped tooth or intense pain will likely have you seeking emergency care, there are other issues that also require immediate attention.

Intermittent Tooth Pain

Even if your tooth pain subsides or only returns intermittently, it's best to schedule an appointment ASAP. Pain may temporarily go away if your body successfully fights the infection, but the cause of the discomfort still needs to be identified and treated.

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Increased sensitivity to hot and cold could be the result of enamel breaking down on a tooth to the point where nerves and blood vessels are vulnerable to temperature change. The issue could also be a loose filling. Either way, it's worth a trip to the dentist to identify the problem.

Inflamed or Bleeding Gums

Gums that are inflamed or bleed easily could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis. Also head to the dentist if there's swelling, unusual mouth odor, or a noticeable change in gum color.

The fear of going to dentist that sometimes leads to the need for emergency dental care can often be avoided with regular dental visits. More dentists are embracing a holistic approach to dentistry that takes a patient's overall health, comfort, and well-being into consideration. Many Philadelphia dentists also offer convenient payment options to help make dental care affordable.