One day, you wake up and read the time: it’s already 7:30 AM, and you have a meeting at 8 AM! Frantic, you get dressed at lightning speed, and that’s where tragedy struck. In your hurry, you slipped and banged your teeth on the counter. Bleeding profusely with your tooth hanging on by a thread, you’re left wondering if you should head to the nearest emergency clinic or if you should just wait until the dentist opens in another hour.
At times like these, having reliable emergency dentists on speed dial is a lifesaver because, let’s face it, dental mishaps happen at the most unlikely times. But, then again, how can you tell a real emergency from a wait?
But first things first…
Every emergency, including dental ones, requires the application of first aid. So, after you’ve administered it, whether it’s using a cold compress or keeping a dislodged tooth in milk, the next steps are crucial. The majority of patients who suffer from dental emergencies usually turn to general practitioners, but the thing is, most general practitioners cannot perform specialized procedures like structural repairs, abscess drainage, or tooth repositioning. So, for a higher chance of saving your tooth and avoiding prolonged treatment, it’s best to just contact an emergency dentist during the “golden hour”—which is the next 30 to 60 minutes after suffering a traumatic dental emergency. With that said, it’s important to keep a local emergency dental number with you at all times.
Back to the main topic, here’s how to decode your symptoms to see if you should rush to the emergency dentist or just wait it out.
Three circumstances are hailed as true dental emergencies; these instances require immediate action to save a tooth, relieve severe pain, and stop what could turn into a life-threatening infection.
An Avulsed Tooth.
Better known as a knocked-out tooth, the first 30-60 minutes are crucial, especially if the knocked-out tooth is a permanent one. If a tooth is knocked out, handle the tooth by its crown; gently rinse it, and if you can, place it back in its socket. Or, you could put it into a glass of milk and head to the emergency dentist as soon as you get the chance.
There’s a severe abscess and infection.
Another dental emergency is a dental abscess; this is a sign of a serious bacterial infection. To spot a dental abscess, try to look for a pimple-like bump on your gums; it’s usually accompanied by severe swelling in your jaw, lymph nodes, and a fever.
Uncontrollable bleeding.
For those who’ve suffered head trauma or who’ve undergone a dental procedure where the bleeding won’t stop, it’s best to seek emergency dental help ASAP. Make sure to apply firm and continuous pressure with clean gauze, then seek professional help immediately.
So, if you’re not suffering any of these issues, maybe your injury falls into the next batch of concerns. For these issues concerning your teeth and gums, there’s no need to rush to the emergency dentist since they can wait a day or two at most.
A dull but manageable toothache.
Not every toothache constitutes a dental emergency. Oftentimes, if the pain can be relieved with over-the-counter pain killers and the patient doesn’t have any facial swelling, then you can wait until business hours to head to your resident dentist.
A chipped or cracked tooth.
A chipped tooth can be pretty alarming, but if you’re not in agonizing pain, then this is usually categorized as a dental issue; it can wait. However, if you’re in pain and the crack is deep, then there’s a chance the nerve inside may be damaged, which makes it a dental emergency.
Lost filling or crown.
Believe it or not, leaving your teeth exposed and sensitive does not constitute a dental emergency. While waiting for restoration, you can protect your exposed tooth by temporarily covering it with sugar-free gum or using an over-the-counter dental cement at least until your dental appointment.
Lastly, these next few instances are considered dental hiccups; they’re not life-threatening and don’t really pose a threat to your overall health, just pretty inconvenient.
Mild gum bleeding due to flossing.
If you find your gums bleeding after brushing or flossing, it’s usually an early indicator of gum disease or gingivitis, which you can prevent from developing. For this, you could just set an appointment for regular cleaning and step up your dental hygiene routine.
A broken orthodontic wire or bracket.
For individuals who wear braces and have their wires poking out, you can use orthodontic wax until your orthodontist can see you. If you don’t have orthodontic wax, then a pencil eraser will do; use that to push the wire into a more comfortable position or at least until the sharp edge is covered.
Small food particles are lodged between the teeth.
Do you have a stubborn popcorn kernel wedged between your teeth? Don’t call your dentist just yet; you can try to remove it by working at it gently with dental floss. Avoid using sharp objects to dig it out, since you may accidentally damage your gums.
The sight of blood or the feeling of pain can be pretty alarming when it comes to your dental health, but before you speed to the emergency dentist, it’s crucial to keep a level head and assess if any of your symptoms fall under the aforementioned categories. If you’re still unsure, it’s best to jump into a quick call with your dentist so they can provide the right course of action.
