How do you distinguish between a non-emergency and a dental emergency? Read along to see how you can recognize a dental emergency.

How to Identify a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies are quite common and can range from toothaches to swollen and locked jaws. Emergencies can happen to anyone, from toddlers to grandparents.

Not every dental issue can be categorized as a dental emergency. To help you decipher if you are in a dental emergency, answer the following questions:

• Have you lost a tooth, or is it partially knocked out?
• Are you in pain, and is it severe and persistent?
• Do you have loose permanent teeth?
• Are you bleeding in the mouth incessantly?
• Do you have swollen gums filled with pus, do you feel feverish, have bad breath, and have a metallic taste in your mouth?
• Is your tooth broken and is bleeding and causing you a lot of pain?

Is your answer yes to the above queries? If it is, then you have a dental emergency and need immediate help. As a general rule of thumb, if you need immediate treatment to alleviate throbbing tooth pain, stop bleeding, and save a tooth, then you are in a dental emergency.

Also, if you have an infection and a fever, you need to see our emergency dentist promptly. Infection can lead to several other overall health issues.

Please get in touch with us when you have the above symptoms. Every minute counts when you are in a dental emergency, and the longer you take to get treatment, you risk having permanent damage.

What Doesn’t Constitute a Dental Emergency?

If your dental issue can be solved later, you are not in a dental emergency even a day or two later.

For instance, losing a filling may seem like an emergency; however, it is an issue that can be resolved during regular working hours. Also, as annoying as it can be, a slight toothache may wait as long as the pain is not severe and persistent.

A cracked tooth is not considered an emergency if you are not in pain and there are no sharp fragments lodged in your teeth. Such an issue can wait for a day or two before it is solved.

What Do You Need to Do During a Dental Emergency?

Panic is not your friend. The situation can be scary, but you need to compose yourself and call your dentist. If your dentist is not open or is unavailable, you can call our emergency dentist, who can help you.

Once you make the phone call, follow the first-aid instructions as you go to the office to receive treatment.

What Are the Emergency Dentistry Services Offered?

Emergency dentistry involves a host of services to restore your smile. This might include general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services such as:

• Simple and surgical tooth extractions
• Denture repair
• Root canal therapy
• Fillings
• Dental bonding
• Crown placement and repair
• Bridge repair
• Treating infections (Infection control)

We Are Here For You

Dental emergencies are like any other medical emergencies: Plan for them, and if they happen, a prompt response can reduce the risk of permanent damage. Therefore, contact our emergency dentist, Jeffrey L. Cohen, DDS.