Teeth are an important part of the human anatomy as they not only help with aesthetics but make it possible to chew food. Considering this, any dental problem can be concerning and scary. But how do you know what a true dental emergency is? Should you call your dentist right away for the slightest ache or pain? It’s essential to understand what is considered a dental emergency and what is not.
Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate dental or medical attention. But not all dental issues are emergencies. If you experience bleeding that won’t stop, pain that doesn’t improve with medication, or broken facial bones, you will need dental emergency care.
If you have severe dental pain or have lacerated your gums, cheeks, or tongue, this is a dental emergency. When you call our office we can get you in, so you can receive treatment as soon as possible.
You will also need immediate care for the following types of dental emergencies:
- Severe toothache
- Dental abscess
- Loose tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- A broken tooth or large piece of tooth is missing
- Large crack or chip in a tooth
- A partially dislodged tooth
If you experience dental trauma outside of regular office hours, your first call should still be to our office emergency line. The sooner you seek dental care, the less likely you will need expensive dental restorations in the future.
What Isn’t a Dental Emergency?
Other dental issues can still need dental care or follow-up but are not emergencies. These include problems like:
- Lost filling, crown, or bridge
- Dull or mild toothache
- Food lodged between teeth that can’t be removed
- A small chip or crack in a tooth
- Minor soft tissue injury (like a small sore or cut)
- Broken braces
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
What Can You Do for a Toothache?
Toothaches are frequently caused by food caught between teeth. As such, flossing can sometimes help provide relief from mild toothaches. Swishing with warm water may also help. If the pain doesn’t subside or you have additional symptoms, schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist. The sooner you act, the less invasive the treatment that may be required.
What Should You Do for a Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth?
If you suffer or notice that you have a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, it’s best to call our 24-hour emergency dentist as soon as possible. You can also rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to your cheek to decrease pain. Whatever you do, do NOT put crushed aspirin on your tooth, as doing so can damage your gums and enamel.
Dental Emergency? Call Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
If you have a dental emergency that is listed here or a problem you are unsure about, be sure to call Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry. In addition to treating dental emergencies, our dentist can also help you prevent dental emergencies from occurring in the first place. For instance, sports dental injuries can be avoided with custom mouthguards.
To learn more about the emergency and other services we provide, contact us today at 772.286.1606 or request an appointment online.