If you have ever had a toothache before, you know how painful it can be. It can stop you in your tracks, meaning that you cannot eat properly or drink any beverages. But, how do you know if you are having a true dental emergency? Should you just take some medication and see if it goes away? Indeed, a lot of people spend time debating whether they should see an emergency dentist. If they can get by and delay the appointment, they normally will. However, this is not always the best idea for your comfort, as well as your teeth and gums.
So, let’s take a closer look at how you decipher between a dental emergency and a problem that can wait until an ordinary appointment.
The Level of Pain You are in
First, you should think about how much pain you are in with your tooth. Often, pain that stops you from your daily routine will be something that should be treated. But, if you feel like the pain comes and goes, this might be able to wait.
Severe and Consistent Pain
If you are in severe pain that is stopping you from doing things like eating and speaking, this is going to be classed as a dental emergency. Therefore, it is best to contact emergency dentist so that you can have suitable treatment. They will be able to find out what is causing the pain, as well as the best way to treat the problem.
Every Now and Again Pain
If the pain is intermittent and does not cause you a lot of trouble, you may not require an emergency appointment. Perhaps it goes away when you take some paracetamol. In this instance, you can consider waiting until the next day for an appointment. You can call the dentist during normal hours, and they can examine your teeth.
The Bleeding
Something else you can consider when you are trying to decide to book an emergency dental appointment is the amount of blood there is. Normally, any sign of blood is going to be concerning. So, let’s take a closer look.
Uncontrollable Bleeding
Do you have a lot of blood coming from your mouth or tooth? This can be a scary experience, and you want to book an emergency appointment. Indeed, if you are worried or the bleeding does not stop, it is a good idea to contact a professional. They can help to get this under control and find out what the source is if you are not sure where it is coming from. Indeed, a lot of blood can be scary, and it can put your mind at rest when you go to the emergency dentist.
Minimal Bleeding that Stops
If you notice that you taste blood all of a sudden or there is a minor amount after brushing, this could be just a minor abrasion. This is not generally an emergency. If it stops relatively quickly, you should not worry about this. But, if you notice that you are bleeding a lot after brushing your teeth, you might want to book a general dentist appointment. This could be a sign of gum disease that you want to check out.
The Swelling
Has your jaw become swollen? Do your gums feel tender and swollen? Of course, these are not nice symptoms and it can be uncomfortable. You have to realise that swelling happens for a reason, and it can be serious. Namely, you always want to see an emergency dentist if you discover swelling. This is a sign of an infection, which could be very dangerous if it does not get medical attention.
Therefore, always book an emergency appointment if you have swelling. You do not want the infection to get into the bloodstream. In particular, if you have things like a fever, you need to do this as soon as possible. The dentist will help find the cause of the swelling and make sure that you get the treatment you need.
The Tooth Itself
Something else to consider when it comes to an emergency dental appointment is the tooth itself. For example, if you have broken your tooth, you may wonder whether this is an emergency. Well, this is going to depend on a few things.
A Jagged Tooth
If the tooth has broken and it has become sharp and jagged, this is a cause for concern. The fact that it is so sharp, it could cause you problems, which include an injury. In this case, you should see a dentist immediately.
Knocked Out Tooth
If you have been in an accident and the tooth has come out, it is best to see a dentist as soon as possible. They are going to see whether the tooth can be saved or what can happen next when it comes to treatment.
Also read: Become A Qualified Nurse with An Online Dental Nurse Course
