What To Do If You Have A Dental Emergency
What is considered a dental emergency?
There's no strict definition, but I would consider a true dental emergency anything that causes severe pain. If there's swelling, bleeding, or infection, and you're unable to sleep, that's an emergency. If your face is swelling, I would call that an emergency. If you have a chipped tooth that's not causing pain, it's not really an emergency. You should see the dentist, but it's not a life or death situation.
When do I need to see an emergency dentist versus going to the emergency room versus scheduling a regular dental visit?
If you're having trouble breathing, that's critical. Any swelling around your eye or lower jaw that could affect your throat, an elevated temperature, or a general feeling that something's wrong might warrant a visit to the emergency room.
What are common types of dental emergencies and what can be done?
Some common dental emergencies, though not all are true emergencies, include a broken tooth, gum swelling associated with a wisdom tooth, and pain.
True emergencies often involve significant swelling, a fever, warmth in the area, and heavy bleeding. These cases may require antibiotics, and in severe instances, hospital admission for IV antibiotics. That's rare nowadays. Typically, a dentist can address emergencies like a broken tooth by placing a crown, performing a root canal, or extracting a severely compromised tooth. Some people might view a cosmetic chip on a front tooth as an emergency due to aesthetic concerns.
However, true emergencies involve hospitalization-type situations with swelling, infection, fever, bleeding, or general discomfort.
When do I need an emergency dental extraction?
A common question is when a tooth should be extracted or when it can be saved. This often depends on the dentist's judgment. If the tooth can't be restored to proper function or if the infection is so severe that it's destroyed surrounding bone and gums, extraction might be necessary. Some people choose extraction for financial reasons, which isn't advisable since fixing your mouth later can be more expensive than maintenance.
Why might I need an emergency root canal?
If your tooth hurts severely and persistently, you might need a root canal sooner rather than later. Spontaneous pain in the tooth without eating or drinking is a sign you need a root canal ASAP. If taking a sip of water causes temporary pain, it's not urgent, but don't delay too long as it might worsen.
Do you offer same-day care at Delgado Dental Group?
Absolutely. We understand a tooth can unexpectedly become painful, and we're always happy to accommodate those in pain, although our schedule is busy. We strive to see you the same day.
Our hours are generally 9 to 6 Monday through Thursday, and 8 to 5 on Friday. For emergencies, aim to be in by 5. If you need a root canal, try to come by 3:00 p.m. to ensure we have time to treat you.
Can I put off dental treatment if I am in pain?
I often get asked about delaying dental treatment when something is painful. Typically, pain peaks over the weekend when most dentists are unavailable. It's best to address pain early in the week rather than waiting until Friday afternoon. Problems usually don't improve with delay, so be proactive with your dental health to avoid emergency visits.
If you’re searching for quality dental care, we’re here to help. Call (209) 474-8888 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is committed to keeping your smile healthy.