Your run-of-the-mill dental appointment is usually pre-planned, low-stress, and you are prepared for what’s in store. Granted, you may not pick a dental office among your top ten places to be, but when you need a general dental checkup or exam or have a specific dental procedure scheduled, you mark your calendar and show up, no muss, no fuss, and no drama.
On the other hand, there may be times when the unexpected happens, and you need to act fast. There is no time to wait, and you are understandably in a panic. First things first. Take a deep breath and clear your head. If your situation is dental-related, the emergency factor (if there is one) is top of mind.
When disaster strikes and you are in a dilemma, Dentistry Of West Bend is ready to take your call, even off-hours. If we are not able to see you when your issue arises, we can refer you to someone who is available ASAP. Your dental health and wellbeing are our number one priority, so we’d never leave you hanging.
Here is what you need to know in the case of a dental emergency. Do not wait around if you believe you are in a crisis. Your situation could worsen, leading to potential long-term damage or prolonged pain. Read on to be as prepared as possible should you find yourself in an emergency position.
How Do I Know If I Am Experiencing A Dental Emergency?
- You may have been involved in an accident, such as a car crash, a slip, and fall, an assault, or some other scenario where damage to the teeth, gums, or other mouth region has been seriously injured or compromised
- You could be bleeding profusely from your gums, cheeks, or tongue
- Perhaps a tooth was knocked out or is on its way
- You may believe your jaw was dislocated, broken, or fractured
While your dentist may be able to help, if your injuries are severe, you might be better off heading to the emergency room. That said, if you have lost a tooth with no other signs of damage, an emergency visit to the dentist could be the cure. Even a filling that has fallen out could classify, as it could compromise the structure of the tooth, causing it to crumble. Every case is unique, so judge your circumstances to the best of your ability.
You may be suffering from an infection. Don’t wait to see what happens. By the next day, you could be in severe pain, the infection could spread, and your recovery could be prolonged. If you have a fever related to this infection, don’t delay.
Be on the safe side and give your dentist’s office a call. If it is during off-hours, emergency instructions will be left on the outgoing message for you to follow.
I Am In Pain – Should I Take A Pain Reliever Or See The Dentist?
Like any other medical situation, severity is the factor to focus on. If you can sleep through the night well enough after a dose of Advil or Tylenol, do so, and contact your dentist come morning. You may simply have a cavity, which, while aggravating, is by no means an urgent matter.
If the pain you are dealing with is utterly unbearable, it is advisable to act now, especially if:
- You are bleeding
- You notice significant swelling in the mouth region
- A tooth is loosened or has fallen out
If your gums are highly inflamed, severely injured, or bleeding profusely, your pain pill may ease your aches, but you need to be seen by a dentist to prevent anything worse from happening. No matter your pain threshold or tolerance, if the bleeding won’t stop, you need medical attention swiftly.
Is A Toothache Considered A Dental Emergency?
Generally speaking, a toothache is not an emergency. While you may be in agony, it can wait until regular dental hours. Even a chipped tooth is not necessarily an emergency unless it is cracked up to the gum line or dagger-sharp. If you are simply unsure what to do, call your dentist and they will advise you accordingly.
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Dental emergencies can be scary. Do your best to keep your composure, as panicking will make matters worse. Hopefully, you have someone trustworthy with you to help you through the situation with their wits about them.
Dentists are prepared for the worst, so you can put your worries to rest and let the professionals help you through this stressful situation. With tender care and devotion to your wellbeing, your dentist will be able to repair your injury or direct you to see a specialist.
If you need to contact us, be it for an emergency or a regular appointment, please call us at (262) 618-0251. We are here to help and always treat you like family. Stay safe!
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