Dental emergencies range from mild to severe, depending on the type of injury you sustain. While some can be handled at home with gauze and a cold compress, others require urgent dental care in Denton if a tooth is to be saved. Knowing when you should see your oral healthcare professional for a mouth-related injury isn’t always easy. This is why you are encouraged to keep reading to discover the difference between a serious and non-serious emergency, and what you should look for that indicates you need essential help.
What Determines an Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Emergency?
One of the most prominent factors associated with dental emergencies is pain. Generally, dentists recommend that patients seek professional help anytime they experience extreme oral discomfort. However, there are still differences between injuries that are deemed urgent and non-urgent. They include:
Urgent
- Infections or dental abscesses
- Knocked-out tooth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth causing serious pain
- Partially dislodged tooth
- Loose permanent teeth
Non-Urgent
- A lost dental crown or filling
- Food that is lodged between teeth
- Soft tissue laceration (i.e., lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue)
- Minor toothache
- Cracked or chipped tooth without pain
What Signs Indicate You Need to See Your Emergency Dentist?
If you are still unsure whether you should schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist, here are some signs to watch out for:
- Tooth Loss: If you accidentally knock out a tooth, timely care is essential if it is to be saved instead of replaced.
- Excessive Bleeding: If bleeding cannot be stopped after 10-15 minutes, get to a local ER for immediate medical attention before calling your emergency dentist’s office.
- Intense Pain: When an over-the-counter pain reliever isn’t enough to curb intense pain inside your mouth, it’s time to see an expert for help.
- Fever: An infection can cause a fever to develop, and it’s a symptom that should not be avoided or dismissed.
- Increased Swelling: Inflammation throughout your face or gums requires immediate emergency help. If you cannot breathe well because of swelling, visit the ER before calling your dentist.
Once you call and alert your dental team to the situation you’re experiencing, they’ll get you in as soon as possible so that you can begin to get the help you need. Not only will the dentist address your pain, but they’ll also repair the damaged area and restore your smile.
It’s better to never dismiss dental pain, no matter how mild or severe it is. Getting help from a dental expert near you will ensure your mouth remains healthy and strong.
About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir is the lead dentist at Prime Dentistry in Denton and works with individuals suffering from dental emergencies. Capable of addressing all types of injuries, our team can quickly alleviate pain while also identifying the underlying problem and creating a treatment plan to get your smile back on track. If you experience dental pain and need help to restore your smile, contact us via our website or by calling (940) 514-0333 to schedule an emergency appointment.
