It is often very frustrating for individuals with oral pain who do not know whether or not their issue is considered a dental emergency.
Some minor cases of oral pain or damage might be best treated at home initially, then by scheduling a dentist appointment at a more opportune time. More serious instances often require immediate dental assistance.
By learning about the more common dental emergency situations, you can gain a better understanding as to what type of complication is considered a dental emergency. You can also determine whether or not you should call an emergency dentist for treatment.
The following are four common times when immediate dental assistance is encouraged.
Perhaps the most obvious time to visit an emergency dentist is if there is severe oral pain, particularly pain that is intolerable. One of the most common reasons for severe pain is a blow to the mouth. This might occur during a physical altercation with another person, during a sporting event such as hockey, football or baseball or by falling down and landing awkwardly. Severe pain might also result from a tooth infection, which is often a serious issue as well.
Another issue that is most often a dental emergency is if a tooth becomes loose. This might result from a blow to the face, biting down on a hard substance or as a result of poor oral hygiene.
Keep in mind, we only get one set of teeth and should do everything possible to keep them for a lifetime. If teeth become concerningly loose for any reason, regardless of whether or not there is severe pain, then it is encouraged to visit the emergency dentist for prompt treatment to ensure the tooth does not become lost.
In a similar way as loose teeth, damaged teeth are also a concerning sign that a tooth is on the verge of becoming lost. A damaged tooth presents itself in a number of fashions, perhaps most notably as a chip or a crack. Other forms of tooth damage might also include enamel erosion as a result of gum disease or teeth that are ground down from nighttime teeth grinding.
Of course, if the issue does not pose an immediate risk to the tooth, does not lead to pain or increase the risk of other oral health concerns, then a dental visit at a more opportune time is likely acceptable. However, damaged teeth that pose an immediate concern are considered a dental emergency.
Severe pain, loose teeth and damaged teeth are just three common reasons for a dental emergency. However, there are many more, including severe gum swelling, extreme teeth sensitivity and other signs of an oral infection. In general, it is encouraged to visit an emergency dentist anytime there is an immediate concern. After all, it is best to err on the side of caution when in doubt.
If you are experiencing complications that are concerning to you, then feel free to reach out to us and find out how we can provide prompt treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.bridgewaterfamilydental.com or call Bridgewater Family Dental at (513) 712-9642 for an appointment in our Hamilton office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Periodontics care is specialized dental care for treating and preventing periodontal disease from reappearing. Scaling and root planing may be performed on patients with periodontal disease to eliminate bacterial plaque and other toxins. Gum disease-causing bacteria can reappear three to four months after initial treatment. As a result, the dentist will recommend coming for cleanings…
Seeing a preventive dentist is a vital part of your oral healthcare routine each year. However, many people skip this essential step because they do not want to spend time at a dental office. Fortunately, a preventive dentist provides many valuable services that can help your smile last a lifetime and stop future issues before…
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one of the most efficient ways to save decaying or damaged teeth. Many individuals, however, get anxious when they learn they need it. This is mostly due to the widespread misconception that undergoing endodontic treatment is unpleasant. It is incorrect —…
Your teeth are one of the first things that people notice about you, and if you are not confident about your smile, a dental veneer might be on your mind as a possible solution. It is one way to change how a tooth looks, but there are many other options. So, why opt for veneers…