No matter how careful you are with your teeth and your mouth, you may still find yourself faced with a dental emergency from time to time. Dental emergencies must be treated immediately if you wish to find relief from the discomfort you are facing. Some emergencies require immediate treatments to prevent worsening of issues or long-term negative consequences. Whether you are suffering from a severe tooth ache or sustain a traumatic injury while playing contact sports, Dr. Tuan Pham can help you at our dental office in Redlands, CA. Here are some tips to help you know when your concern is a true emergency and how you can find quick care.
- Broken Teeth
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums
- Abscessed Tooth
- Mouth Pain
- Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Teeth Being Knocked Out
- Emergency Extraction
- Loss Crown
- Toothache
What Is a Dental Emergency?
While regular dental hygiene and oral care is vital for continued oral health, you may occasionally need to visit your dentist outside your regularly scheduled biannual appointment times. Dental emergencies refer to issues that require prompt care to prevent further damage, long-term consequences or unrelenting pain that affects your daily activities or sleep. Many emergencies result from oral trauma, such as might occur following an automobile accident or a sporting event. Others are marked by severe pain, such as from a tooth abscess, a broken tooth or a missing dental crown.
Dental emergencies should be cared for as soon as possible. Most situations require a same day dental appointment, and certain major emergencies require expert care in two hours or less. Knowing the difference between a true dental emergency that must be dealt with immediately and other dental concerns that can wait for treatment can help you save money and remain calm during a trying time.
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How Do You Know If You Are Having a Dental Emergency?
Emergency dental care is important for any dental problem that requires immediate help. While a lost filling or a broken crown can be frustrating to deal with and should be addressed within the next day or two, they may not require immediate treatment. Most dental emergencies have such symptoms as excruciating tooth pain, gum or jaw pain, or uncontrolled bleeding from around a tooth and at-risk teeth. At-risk teeth include those that have been knocked out of the mouth as well as those that have been broken or cracked and that have their inner tissues or roots exposed.
When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?
If you have a severe tooth ache or a broken or missing tooth, you should seek emergency dental care immediately even if it is a holiday, the weekend or after-hours. Waiting to treat certain issues can result in missing teeth and long-term pain. If you are unsure whether you need to be seen immediately, call Dr. Pham and explain the situation. He will be able to guide you to the best solutions and may even be able to get you in for a same-day appointment. Even if your issue occurs after regular office hours, the answering service will direct you to instructions for reaching Dr. Pham in the case of an emergency.
What Should You Do While You Are Waiting to Be Seen?
Even if you only have to wait an hour or two before your appointment, you may still have pain. A cold compress for your cheek can help with swelling as well as discomfort. You may also want to try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. If your tooth has been knocked out, you will need to take extra precautions to preserve the tooth. Submerge the tooth in milk and/or place it back in the tooth socket. You may also be able to take an over-the-counter pain reliever with your dentist’s advice while you wait to be seen.
What Are the Benefits of Treating a Dental Emergency Promptly?
One of the most obvious benefits of treating a severe toothache or other dental emergency quickly is that you will find relief from your pain. In some cases, you may actually be able to prevent further expensive care. For example, getting a knocked-out tooth treated quickly can prevent you from needing a bridge or dental implant in the future. Finally, an emergency root canal or similar treatment can give you peace of mind as you can leave your worries behind following your visit.
