Dental Emergency?

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Waiting too long could worsen your condition and lead to serious complications.

What constitutes a dental emergency?

If you have a painful tooth or an uncomfortable mouth, you may wonder if you should seek immediate care from a dental professional. We now know that many common conditions can get worse over time without treatment. However, knowing when to seek immediate attention can be difficult. Here are some guidelines to consider.

A dental emergency can be any of the following:

• Tooth pain that interferes with your daily life
• Persistent fever and swollen glands on the side of your face or above your tongue
• Swelling in your gums around your tooth
• Complete tooth loss due to trauma to the jaw
• A severe toothache caused by bacteria trapped beneath the gum line
• Sudden facial swelling, especially if there is a discharge from your nose
• Difficulty breathing due to a knocked-out tooth or severe infection
• Unexpected bleeding in your mouth or face
• Unexplained jaw pain or discomfort that you cannot pinpoint to a specific source

If you experience any of these issues, you should call us as soon as possible. We can provide evaluation and diagnostic services to determine the cause of your pain or discomfort and recommend appropriate treatment options. While in some cases, we may be able to provide same-day emergency care, others may require further evaluation with follow-up appointments. Either way, we will help determine the best steps forward to ensure your best oral health possible.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

Remember to call your dentist right away if you are experiencing a dental emergency, such as a broken tooth, a lost filling, or a severe toothache. Notifying the office allows the dentist and team to prepare to see you as quickly as possible. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergencies. This means that if you call first thing in the morning, you can usually be seen that same day. However, depending on the nature of the problem and the severity of your discomfort, you may be asked to schedule an emergency appointment for another day.

In the meantime, you can take some steps to alleviate your pain until your appointment. First, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce any swelling. Then, take an over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol or Aleve. Finally, avoid chewing on the affected side until you can see your dentist. This protects your tooth from further damage and allows your dentist to accurately diagnose the issue and provide appropriate treatment.

What to prevent a dental emergency?

There are many preventive steps that you can take to protect your teeth from suffering a serious injury or an invasive infection. This includes avoiding engaging in activities that can cause you to experience a blow to the mouth or playing contact sports that can lead to injuries to the face. Wearing a helmet when playing high-impact sports and using safety appliances like mouthguards can prevent you from losing a tooth to injury or breaking your jaw. Additionally, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.

For more information about dental care and treatments, contact our office today.