Things can and do go wrong with our smiles, and it’s not always easy to know when you need to get emergency dental attention. While many dental problems can be prevented with regular checkups, injuries and other emergencies don’t always hold off until your appointment!
Whether or not you require urgent care for your smile all depends on the symptoms you’re having as well as whether or not you feel you can wait. Let’s review some common dental problems and whether or not they require professional care as soon as possible.
Severe Pain, Bleeding, or Swelling Shouldn’t Wait
If you’re experiencing excruciating pain or have significant bleeding or swelling in your oral cavity, you shouldn’t wait to seek emergency dental care. Any of these symptoms could be detrimental to your health, and could even be indicative of a potentially life threatening infection.
When you need attention as soon as possible for your smile, it’s best to go to a dental practice if you’re able to. Many dental emergencies can be promptly and accurately handled by a dental office rather than going to the emergency room at a hospital [1].
Fallen Out Restorations, Chipped Teeth May Be Able to Wait
There are some instances where a dental problem requiring professional care can wait. Some people who have fallen-out dental restorations such as fillings or dental bridges can wait until the next available appointment or the next day to get care.
Depending on the level of discomfort and the severity of the problem, some dental injuries such as chipped teeth may also be able to wait. However, if you have a knocked-out tooth or a severely chipped or cracked tooth, it’s best to get in to see your dentist as soon as possible [2].
Jaw fractures and tooth infections should also never wait to be seen!
When in Doubt, Always Call Your Dentist
If you’re having any pain, discomfort, swelling, or bleeding in your oral cavity and aren’t sure if the problem can wait, call your dentist. They can review your symptoms and let you know if they think you should be seen immediately or if you can wait.
For many people, only they know whether or not they need emergency attention. Some people feel their discomfort can wait a day or two, while others feel that they need to be seen as soon as possible. Your dentist can make a recommendation based on your symptoms—and most dentists offer emergency hours or services so they can get you in to be seen immediately!
Don’t Wait to Seek Treatment for a Dental Emergency!
Whether or not you feel you have a dental emergency that can wait, don’t hold off too long to get your smile seen. Even if you need to go to the emergency room, never wait to get severe pain, bleeding, or swelling addressed. Call your dentist if you have any questions about a dental emergency!
Sources:
1.https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/HPI/Files/HPIBrief_08
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/dental-emergencies
