When you are experiencing an unexpected problem in your mouth, then timing is critical to avoid more complications in the future. There are a variety of reasons why you might need emergency dental care, such as unexpected pain, bleeding, swelling, or a broken tooth. If there is any question about whether you need dental emergency services, then the best thing that you can do is call our team at myDental to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
The reality is that seemingly small dental issues could be an indication of a bigger problem. Also, delaying dental care can cause the infection or issue to worsen over time, leading to more invasive treatments when minor repairs would have been sufficient when the symptoms first started.
So, you shouldn’t delay a call for dental care emergency treatments. Taking a proactive approach is the best way to protect your smile and optimize your overall dental health.
The Most Common Types of Dental Emergencies
There are a variety of reasons why you might need to call for an emergency dental service. Some of the most common issues that require urgent dental care include:
- Severe toothache that is getting worse
- A knocked-out tooth
- Broken or cracked tooth
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Broken or lost fillings or crowns
- Infections
Some treatments, such as services for a knocked-out tooth, need to be handled within an hour for the best outcome. But you have a little more time for other treatments. We recommend that you call our dental team right away to discuss your symptoms. We’ll discuss your needs over the phone and help you determine the ideal timeline for your dental treatment.
Other dental issues require treatment, but don’t fall into the category of a dental emergency. Examples include mild tooth sensitivity, a tooth chip that isn’t causing pain, or any cosmetic issues with your teeth.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Dental Emergency Care
Even though it might seem like an inconvenience to try to fit an unexpected dental appointment into your busy schedule, the reality is that you might be dealing with more severe issues in the future if you delay this care. The best thing that you can do is seek dental treatment right away, so the dentist can diagnose the problem and repair your tooth to prevent more damage.
Here are some of the consequences you might be dealing with if you delay emergency dental care:
- Spreading infection, which can cause damage to your gums and teeth
- A risk of hospitalization due to sepsis when oral infections are left untreated
- Jawbone damage that occurs over time from untreated decay and infection
- A higher likelihood that tooth extraction is necessary
- More expensive and invasive dental restorations are needed, such as root canals, implants, or surgeries
- Increasing tooth pain can impact every area of your life, including sleep, work, and mental health
Even though the symptoms start out small, there is always a risk of more severe dental issues developing when you delay treatment. So, the best solution is to call us right away. We offer same-day appointments and after-hours care for our patients.
Timing is Critical for a Knocked-Out Tooth
One of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies is when a tooth is knocked out. The faster you get to the dental office, the higher the likelihood that it’s possible to save the tooth. Ideally, you need to see a dentist within 30 – 60 minutes of when the accident occurs.
It’s important that you follow specific steps to optimize the chances of saving your tooth:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (don’t touch the root)
- Gently rinse the tooth
- Don’t scrub the tooth or use any soap or cleaning solution
- If possible, try to put the tooth back into the socket
- Alternatively, transport the tooth to the dental office in a cup with milk or saline
- Visit a dentist as soon as possible
Remember: the longer the tooth is out of your mouth, the lower the chance of saving it. We recommend that you come straight to our office. If treatment is done within 30 – 60 minutes, then there is a possibility that we might be able to save your tooth.
Emergency Dental Care: Pain Relief and a Healthy Smile
Not only do our emergency dental services offer the immediate pain relief that you need, but we are also proactive about reducing the risk of complications in the future. Our first priority is to numb the pain and help you find relief in the moment. Then, we will discuss potential treatment options to save your tooth and restore your smile.
For example, a fast dental treatment might be handled with a filling. But if you delay treatment, then it’s possible that you might need a root canal in the future.
Our goal is to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. We take a proactive approach to protect your teeth by diagnosing issues in the earliest stages. This treatment plan reduces the domino effect that leads to more serious dental problems in the future.
FAQ
Why you should deal with a dental emergency quickly?
The faster you seek emergency dental care, the easier it is to prevent permanent damage. We’ll alleviate your pain and even save your tooth, depending on the type of emergency you are experiencing.
Why is early dental care important?
Early dental care helps us catch potential issues in the beginning stages. Our goal is to treat the issue before it escalates into an emergency. You will save time and money with this strategy.
Which of the following is the most commonly observed emergency situation in dentistry?
The most common types of dental emergencies that we treat include severe toothaches due to decay or infection. We offer immediate treatments to alleviate your pain and save the tooth.
Why is access to dental care important?
Not only do you need to prevent dental pain and reduce the risk of infections. But good dental care has an impact on protecting your overall health.
What are the signs and symptoms indicating that emergency care is needed in dental?
Some of the most common signs that you need dental emergency care include swelling, severe pain, bleeding, a broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or any signs of infection. Most of these issues won’t go away without treatment. So, don’t “wait and see” before calling a dentist.
Call the Emergency Dental Experts: myDental is Here to Help
You don’t need to be suffering with a broken tooth or a toothache. When you are experiencing any symptoms and you suspect that you need dental treatments, then call as soon as possible.
Remember: the sooner you see a dentist, the better chance you have of saving your tooth. When something in your mouth feels off, it is your body’s way of asking for help. Don’t ignore these issues! You need to protect your health through regular dental services.
If you need emergency dental services, then myDental is here to help. We offer a full range of services at our nearby locations. Call to schedule your appointment.