Maybe you’re experiencing pain or something happened to your tooth, and you are wondering if now is the time for an emergency dental appointment. But what constitutes a dental emergency, a real emergency, or just a visit to the dentist when convenient?
If you are curious about what needs to be done, you can call James Martin, DMD, to discuss your options and the nature of your concern. Each case is unique, so while we can suggest some guidelines, calling your local emergency dentist is always a helpful place to start!
When to Head to the ER: Life-Threatening Dental Emergencies
If an accident or emergency has occurred that is life-threatening, it is best to start by going to the emergency room or urgent care. These cases often include extreme bleeding or a broken bone. A general doctor or surgeon on call at the emergency room will be able to treat those effectively.
The emergency room or urgent care is also open twenty-four-seven, which is essential to maintaining your health. If you have experienced severe facial trauma you do not want to wait until your local dentist is open.
Identifying a True Dental Emergency
For a dental emergency, we will get you in as soon as possible, and we will offer treatment plans that take just a couple of days, such as same-day crowns or prompt periodontal disease treatment. Some dental emergencies that require same-day or next-day care include:
- Tooth Loss: This is one of the most serious dental emergencies. If possible, keep the tooth you have so we can place it back in its socket.
- Severe Toothache: This could indicate an infection or that something is irritating your gums. Get the pain treated and the root cause solved.
- Swelling: This is especially concerning if it does not go down with OTC pain relievers. It can be an infection or indicate that a jaw or tooth is damaged.
- A Cracked or Chipped Tooth: The sooner we treat a damaged tooth the less impact on your tooth and overall smile you will experience.
- Light but Consistent Bleeding: Bleeding needs to be stopped promptly, as it indicates an overall issue and can become infected if left untreated.
- Something Stuck in Your Teeth: If you have something irritating your gums and you cannot get it out on your own, visit a dentist promptly. Leaving it could cause infection.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort that is consistent and preventing you from experiencing your day-to-day, that is a good indication that visit to your local emergency dentist would help you out!
Dental emergencies can be frightening, but keep calm and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Quick Solutions with Same-Day Dentistry
Dr. James Martin offers same-day crowns and other emergency treatments that will restore your smile quickly. We want to bring back the cosmetics and oral health of your smile before you had a dental emergency.
We have specialized CEREC crowns that are custom and quick. Crowns can be used for a plethora of dental emergencies, such as a damaged or chipped tooth that is too weak to be left on its own.
Routine Concerns: When to See Your Dentist
You might notice a concern about your smile and wonder if it is a dental emergency or if it is just a good time to schedule an appointment when convenient. If you are experiencing:
- Bleeding gums when flossing or brushing
- Bad breath
- Tooth sensitivity
- A small chip
- Occasional swelling or toothache
If you are experiencing mild discomfort every couple of days that is a good time to schedule a visit soon, but not an emergency visit. Don’t ignore those symptoms, they indicate that you could have an oral health concern!
Visiting the dentist if you are experiencing a new symptom in your mouth keeps your oral health in tip-top shape. Ignoring a new development can be dangerous, as your oral health will continue to degrade.
Get Emergency Dental Care with James Martin, DMD
We provide emergency dental care and prompt dental care for every kind of dental concern you might have. Don’t ignore your dental emergencies, contact us today to get treated!
