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://copdo.com or call Colorado Precision Dentistry at (303) 481-0565 for an appointment in our Highlands Ranch office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
Most people visit the dentist once or twice a year, but it is impossible to know when a visit to an emergency dentist might be necessary. These dentists work on issues that must be treated immediately and cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. For people who are experiencing an issue with their dentition, knowing whether…
Looking for information on dental implants? If you have suffered significant tooth loss, but not enough to need a complete arch replacement, you can get a dental bridge supported by dental implants. Implant-supported bridges can provide a reliable, functional, and long-term solution to tooth loss. Unlike traditional bridges or removable partial dentures, a dental implant-supported…
Full mouth reconstruction is the process in which a dentist helps their patient by reconstructing and/or replacing the patient's teeth. The dentist helps the patient determine exactly what work needs to be done to make their smile look nice and have overall better oral health. Although the process of having these procedures done can sometimes be…
No one looks forward to tooth extraction, but sometimes it is necessary for a person's oral health. This is often the case with the last adult teeth to erupt, the wisdom teeth. Many people need to have one or more of their wisdom teeth removed because they are not coming in right, there is not…
A filling or crown should be replaced as soon as possible after falling out, ideally…
In a traditional dental bridge, existing teeth on the sides of the missing tooth are…
Full mouth reconstruction is the process in which a dentist helps their patient by reconstructing…
At what age do wisdom teeth come in? | Tooth extraction for wisdom teeth is…
You have a hunch, but how can you tell that a root canal procedure is…
To help you make your dental bonding material last for as long as possible, this…