There are times when you will have to visit the dentist to seek treatment, but it can be difficult to know if it’s an emergency circumstance versus that doesn’t require immediate attention. To learn more about when you should immediately call the dentist for emergency care versus when a regular appointment will suffice, read on!
When You Need Urgent Care
Common problems that require prompt dental care may include:
- A severe toothache.
- A broken or chipped tooth that is causing intense pain.
- Abscessed gums.
- An injury to your mouth or jaw, such as one sustained during contact sports.
- Tooth loss.
- A fever accompanying a toothache, as it could be a sign of infection.
These are instances in which you need to contact your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Let the staff know what the problem is; often, they can offer first-aid guidance over the phone unique to your dilemma until you can get to the dentist.
When You Need Non-Urgent Care
Some scenarios that may not require attention at once from a dentist include:
- A broken or cracked tooth not accompanied by severe pain.
- Food lodged between teeth.
- A bitten lip or tongue that stops bleeding.
- A small cavity.
- Minor/brief tooth sensitivity.
While these issues certainly need to be tended to and can cause discomfort to the individual, they don’t necessarily require that you go to a dentist right away.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
When a serious mishap like an injury to the mouth or a broken tooth occurs, it can be easy to panic, but the first step is to remain calm so that you can address the problem effectively.
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to prevent infection. Put gauze or another type of protective covering over the affected area. Hold a cold compress to your mouth to prevent swelling and minimize pain.
After you’ve called your dentist, there may be a short wait before your appointment. During this time, if you’ve experienced an injury that resulted in broken, chipped, or a knocked-out tooth, put the tooth or pieces of the tooth in a dry, clean container to bring with you. If the tooth was dislodged completely, handle it by the crown, not the root, and gently place it back into its socket and hold it there until you get to the dentist.
Whether it’s urgent or non-urgent care you need, don’t let these issues go unchecked. See your dentist promptly for treatment to nip the problem in the bud!
About the Author
Dr. Carole Emanuel is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has completed over 500 hours of continuing education. Dr. Emanuel holds a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Academy of General Dentistry, which is awarded to only 6 percent of dentists in the U.S. and Canada. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, Carole Emanuel, DDS can get you a same-day appointment and accept various insurance plans to help ease the financial burden. To schedule your appointment, visit our website or call our Lakewood office at (303) 986-0090.