It goes without saying that when a dental emergency strikes, you will want to have your dentist treat it as soon as possible. However, it’s important to bear in mind that some dental problems are more urgent than others. How will you be able to tell whether your oral health issue requires immediate attention? Here’s what you need to know in order to figure out whether your dental emergency is urgent or non-urgent.
What Counts as an Urgent Dental Emergency?
An urgent dental emergency is typically characterized by significant oral pain or dental damage. Ideally, you should have the problem treated immediately in order to prevent it from growing worse. Examples of emergencies that require urgent dental care include:
- A severe or throbbing toothache.
- A cracked or otherwise damaged tooth that is causing you pain.
- A tooth that has come loose or has been knocked out of the mouth entirely.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums. (This could be an abscess, which is the result of an advanced tooth infection.)
What is a Non-Urgent Dental Emergency?
If you have a dental emergency that isn’t causing significant pain or doesn’t put your tooth at immediate risk, it doesn’t necessarily have to be treated right away. That being said, it’s still in your best interest to see the dentist as soon as possible; ignoring the issue for too long could lead to serious consequences for your smile. Non-urgent dental emergencies can include:
- A crown or another type of restoration that has fallen off the tooth.
- A damaged tooth that is not causing you severe pain.
- Food caught between the teeth that you can’t get rid of on your own.
- A dull but persistent toothache.
What Should You Do When You Have a Dental Emergency?
When you need emergency dental care in Windermere, your first move should be to pick up the phone and call your dentist’s office. Let your dental team know exactly what happened and what symptoms you’re experiencing. Based on what you tell them, they’ll be able to determine whether an emergency appointment is needed. They may also give you advice for managing your dental issue until your visit.
At your emergency appointment, your dentist will take steps to alleviate your pain, and they’ll examine your mouth carefully in order to determine the exact nature of the problem. Once they know more about your situation, they’ll be able to help you figure out what sort of treatment you need.
Whether your dental emergency is considered urgent or non-urgent, it’s imperative to get the care you need as soon as you can so that you can get the health of your smile back on track.
About the Author
Dr. Emilia Godoy-Rapport has been bringing high-quality dental care to the Orlando area for over two decades. She earned her dental degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville. At Windermere Center for Dentistry, she makes a point of taking emergency patients as soon as her schedule allows so that they can get the treatment they need as promptly as possible. If you would like to request an emergency appointment with Dr. Godoy-Rapport, call (407) 909-1097.