Dental emergencies can come in many different forms. In some cases, you may be able to afford to wait a little while to see your dentist, but in other situations, it’s best to have the issue addressed by an expert as soon as possible. To help you make the best decision when a dental emergency strikes, here is a closer look at urgent and non-urgent dental issues.
What Qualifies as an Urgent Dental Issue?
Urgent dental issues need to be treated quickly in order to prevent them from growing worse. Examples of dental issues that require urgent attention typically include:
- Severe pain in the tooth.
- A chipped or cracked tooth that is causing significant discomfort.
- A tooth that has come loose or has been knocked out of the mouth entirely.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (also known as a dental abscess).
What Qualifies as a Non-Urgent Dental Issue?
A non-urgent dental issue doesn’t necessarily have to be treated right away. You should still see your dentist in the near future, but immediate attention is not required. A non-urgent dental emergency could manifest in the form of:
- A crown or filling that has fallen off the tooth.
- A damaged tooth that is not causing severe pain.
- A dull toothache.
- A piece of food caught in your smile that you can’t remove on your own.
What Should You Do When You Need Emergency Dental Care?
When you’re suffering from an oral health issue that you think might qualify as a dental emergency, you should call your dentist right away. A team member will ask about the symptoms that you’re experiencing and give you first-aid tips that can help you manage the situation at home. Then they’ll make arrangements to have you seen as quickly as possible.
During your emergency appointment, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth. They’ll check to see what the true underlying cause of the problem is as well as how much damage has already been done. After learning as much as possible about your situation, they will walk you through your options for treatment. When recommending a given service for your smile, they will make sure that you have a realistic idea of how long it will take and how much it will cost.
Regardless of whether your particular problem is urgent or non-urgent, it’s generally best to reach out to your dentist right away when a dental emergency occurs. The sooner you get the treatment you need, the sooner you can restore your oral health and put a stop to your oral pain.
About the Author
Dr. John E. Petty has many years of dental experience under his belt. Over the course of his career, he has earned the honor of being named a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and he has served twice as the General Chairman of the Annual Session of the Tennessee Dental Association. At Petty Dental in Tullahoma, he offers emergency care for toothaches and other urgent dental issues. If you think you may be experiencing a dental emergency, you can request an appointment with Dr. Petty by calling (931) 454-9499.