Dental emergencies can strike at any moment. The pain, discomfort, or shock that accompanies these situations can leave you unsure of whether to tough it out or seek immediate help. Knowing when to seek emergency dentistry can make a significant difference not only in relieving pain quickly but also in preserving your oral health long term.
Recognizing a True Dental Emergency
Not every dental issue requires an urgent visit. However, some conditions clearly indicate the need for emergency dental care. Severe toothaches, especially those that come on suddenly or worsen quickly, are often signs of underlying problems. When pain becomes unmanageable with over-the-counter medications or interferes with eating, sleeping, or concentrating, it’s time to call a dentist.
Another unmistakable sign is trauma to the mouth. If a tooth has been knocked out, chipped, or damaged due to an accident or fall, prompt care is crucial. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if treated within an hour. Broken teeth can often be restored if addressed quickly. Soft tissue injuries such as lacerations to the gums, lips, or tongue that cause significant bleeding also warrant emergency treatment, especially if bleeding doesn’t stop with gentle pressure.
Infections and Swelling
Facial swelling, particularly if it is spreading or accompanied by fever, is another red flag that requires immediate dental attention. Swelling often indicates infection. This can become life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body.
Dental abscesses, which are pockets of pus caused by bacterial infection, not only cause severe pain but also may lead to complications if left untreated. Signs include a bad taste in the mouth, swollen gums, fever, or a pimple-like bump on the gums. Ignoring such infections can escalate to more serious health problems. Emergency dentists are equipped to drain abscesses, prescribe antibiotics, and take steps to eliminate the source of the infection.
What’s Not an Emergency—but Still Needs Prompt Care
While some dental issues aren’t emergencies in the immediate sense, they still shouldn’t be ignored. A lost filling or crown, for example, isn’t usually painful right away, but the exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay and damage. Similarly, a minor chip might not hurt, but it can worsen if not evaluated by a professional. In these cases, contacting your dentist as soon as possible, typically within a day or two, is the best course of action.
Pain that comes and goes or discomfort when biting may also seem manageable. However, it often points to problems that could deteriorate without treatment. These symptoms could stem from tooth fractures, nerve exposure, or hidden decay that a dentist can diagnose before it becomes an emergency.
After-Hours and Weekend Options
Dental emergencies rarely occur at convenient times. Fortunately, many dental practices have arrangements with emergency dental clinics. If you’re experiencing intense pain, bleeding, or trauma outside of regular business hours, don’t hesitate to seek out these resources. Emergency rooms could also provide interim care, though they will typically refer you to a dentist for follow-up treatment.
Emergency Dentistry in Boise, ID
Delaying care for a dental emergency can lead to more extensive, painful, and expensive treatment later. At LIFESmiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we are here to help. We offer a range of emergency dentistry treatment options and work hard to prioritize same-day appointments. Contact us to schedule your consultation and see which treatment could be right for you.