5 Reasons to Go See a Dentist
Most people will avoid seeking out dental care unless they absolutely have to have something checked out. Unfortunately, there are situations where seeing our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists is necessary. Failing to do so can potentially result in even worse oral health complications down the line.
Here are 5 times in which giving our Ann Arbor dental office is a good idea.
It’s Wise to Seek Out Treatment For:
1. A Cavity (at Any Stage)
It’s not unusual for small cavities to fly under the radar and go undetected. Typically, it isn’t until the cavity grows larger that patients notice the tell-tale symptoms and need treatment.
Cavities often cause symptoms such as:
- Tooth pain that occurs randomly
- , especially with hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- White, brown, or black stains on teeth
- Pain after biting down
As soon as you experience any of the above symptoms, call our office. Our dentists can examine your teeth and place a tooth-colored filling if necessary. In certain cases where the tooth decay covers a large area of the tooth itself, our dentists may recommend a dental crown instead.
2. An Endless Toothache
No, it’s not normal to have a toothache for a prolonged period. Tooth pain that exists for a while can often indicate something is wrong and needs attention. Think of it like your mouth waving a red flag – it’s best to take notice before larger consequences arise.
There are ways you can soothe the discomfort at home before seeing our dentists. Try rinsing out your mouth with warm water and using floss to remove any trapped pieces of food. If that doesn’t do the trick, place a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling and take pain relievers as necessary while you wait to be seen.
3. Gum Pain or Sensitivity
Gums that are red, inflamed, sensitive, or bleeding may point to some form of gum disease. Of course, other factors like vitamin deficiencies, tobacco use, and pregnancy can also cause swollen or .
Regardless, the best course of action is to seek treatment from our team of dentists. For more advanced , like periodontitis, we’ll need to perform the scaling and root planing procedure to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
4. Loose or Shifting Teeth
Unless you have braces or are wearing clear aligners, your teeth shouldn’t shift beyond their normal level of movement. They also shouldn’t feel actively loose. If either of these happen, it’s important to let our dentists know so we can take a closer look.
Upon examination and basic questioning, we may find that you grind your teeth, and that bruxism is also causing them to shift. To help with this common condition and protect your teeth, we can create a custom-fitted night guard to wear while you sleep.
Loose or shifting teeth can also be caused by gum disease. Our dentists can examine your gums and if gum disease is detected, we can recommend next steps to manage your condition.
5. Your General Oral Health
Has it been a while since you were last seen by a dentist? If so, you’re not alone, though it is important to get back on track sooner than later. Our dentists recommend that patients visit our office for a routine teeth cleaning every 6 months.
If we need you to see us sooner, we’ll be sure to let you know ahead of time so you’re aware. Regular checkups allow our dentists to not only remove plaque but to check for any arising problems as well.
Call Our Ann Arbor Office Today
When something feels wrong with your smile or it’s simply been a while since your most recent cleaning, our dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, are here to help. We will examine your teeth and gums closely and administer only the most necessary treatments. Call Excel Dental today at(734) 929-9999 or request an appointment online.