There are several different types of dental concerns that you may suffer, including orthodontic, cosmetic, and emergency dental problems. Hence, for most dental patients, it is usually confusing to determine whether they have a normal dental problem that doesn’t need immediate attention or a severe dental issue that requires instant emergency dental care. If you are one of those, this detailed dental emergency guide may prove helpful for you.
In this post, we have explained different types of dental concerns that need immediate care. If you ever face any of those dental issues, you need to approach an emergency dental clinic instantly. However, before we come to that, let’s find out the difference between a dental emergency and a normal dental issue.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental concern that needs to be addressed instantly and requires immediate action. Generally, it is associated with a severe toothache, uncontrollable gum bleeding, swollen mouth, and dental trauma. If you experience any of these dental conditions or you are unable to bear the dental pain, this is probably a dental emergency. In this case, you need an emergency dental care service as soon as possible.
How is Dental Emergency Different From a Normal Dental Problem?
A normal dental problem is anything that doesn’t involve severe tooth pain, severe swelling in the mouth, non-stop bleeding, and tooth trauma. When you suffer a normal dental issue, you do not necessarily need instant dental care. You can wait for hours, days, and in some cases for a week for getting the treatment. In cases of mild dental problems, it can be treated even at home using home remedies. But when it comes to dental emergencies, the entire scenario is different. You can’t wait for more than a couple of hours for getting the emergency dental services because a long wait can make your dental condition worsen. So, there are clear differences between a dental emergency and a normal dental problem. Now you should not find it hard to differentiate between these two dental conditions.
When to Call an Emergency Dentist?
Emergency dentists mainly deal with dental emergencies. However, it doesn’t mean that they can’t see the patients with normal dental problems, like discolored teeth, misaligned teeth, bad breath, and so on. They can, but they prioritize dental emergencies.
Every dental clinic has a separate department for emergency dentistry where highly-qualified dentists see emergency cases. You can approach them if you face the following dental problems:
Severe Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is caused by several different reasons, such as tooth decay, dental infection, tooth injury, broken tooth, cracked tooth, loose tooth, tooth loss, and so on. It is fine if you can bear the pain and wait for more than a couple of hours for the treatment. But if it is severe and unbearable, it is a dental emergency. In this case, you should approach an emergency dental clinic and get the emergency treatment as soon as possible. You can try some effective home remedies to reduce the pain level between the time your emergency dentist reaches your location or you reach out to the clinic.
Tooth Injury and Dental Trauma
Tooth injuries or dental trauma are not very common, but they may happen to you anytime and anywhere due to a sudden slipping, falling, or crashing. Sportsmen and motorists are the ones who are prone to tooth injuries and dental trauma the most. Whenever you experience a tooth injury, such as a broken tooth, dislodged tooth, or chipped & cracked tooth, you need to contact emergency dental services. Meanwhile, make sure to collect all the broken parts of your teeth. This may help the dentist to design the right treatment plan for you.
Severe Tooth Decay or Cavity
Tooth decay or cavity is a normal dental problem. In most cases, you do not need prompt dental care for tooth decay. However, if you have severe tooth decay accompanied by severe toothache and gum bleeding, it is a case of a dental emergency. You can’t schedule a day for getting treatment for this. You need to instantly call your emergency dentist.
Swollen Jaw or Mouth
Dental infection, gum bleeding, tooth injuries, and cavity sometimes lead to swollen jaw and mouth. You can talk to your dentist and consult him/her about the treatment process. He/she may suggest you book your appointment. However, if the swelling leads to severe mouth pain, gum bleeding, and difficulty in opening the mouth or speaking, it is clearly a dental emergency. You need to get in touch with your emergency dentist quickly and ask him/her for providing emergency dental care service.
Lost Filling, Crown, and Chipped Veneers
Generally, these are not dental emergencies. If you face any of these dental issues, you simply need to talk to your dentist and schedule an appointment. However, in some cases in which lost filling, crown, or chipped veneers are accompanied by severe toothache, gum bleeding, or mouth trauma, you require prompt dental care service. Hence, you can approach an emergency dentist.
The Bottom Line
Shortly, a dental emergency is any dental concern that is accompanied by severe tooth pain, uncontrollable bleeding gums, and dental trauma. If you ever experience a dental problem like this, you are advised to approach your emergency dentist promptly. This will give you some comfort and relaxation from the pain.