Toothaches, chipped teeth and pain caused by crowns or fillings are all causes of concern for your dental health. But how do you know what is an emergency and what is not?
In many cases, mild toothaches and pain are not considered an emergency. But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take your discomfort seriously. Always schedule an appointment for a examination if you have any concerns with your teeth or mouth.
That being said, there are some dental visits that can’t wait. Mouth trauma and severe pain are examples of this. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist is talking dental emergencies!
Emergencies vs. Non-emergencies
You should seek urgent care for situations including:
- Trauma such as a broken tooth or a tooth being knocked out
- Other injury or trauma that directly affects your mouth, gums or teeth
- An infection or abscess
- Severe tooth pain
- Complications following a major dental procedure
Some problems that don’t necessarily need immediate care (but should be cared for as soon as possible) include:
- Pain related to a dental crown
- A chipped tooth
- Problems with a filling
- Mild toothaches
Serious issues can lead to further damage or complications if they are left untreated. When in doubt, contact our office for an appointment.
Are Toothaches a Dental Emergency?
Toothaches can be quite bothersome, but they’re not always an emergency.
If you have a mild toothache or experience them consistently, it’s important to have a check-up in a timely manner. This type of discomfort often indicates an underlying dental problem which should be examined and treated before additional pain or symptoms set in.
We can help you determine if you need prompt care or if it’s okay to wait — just give us a call to discuss the issue. If you don’t need to be seen right away, there may be some treatments you can try at home in the meantime.
What to do in a Dental Emergency
Don’t wait; call us as soon as possible in the event of a dental emergency. Trauma and severe pain can lead to serious complications if left untreated, and treating them at home (without the care of a professional) may not help.
If you experience trauma that causes your tooth to come out of place, follow these directions (and call us immediately):
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (chewing edge), not by the root.
- Keep the tooth moist at all times. Place it in a saline solution or in a cup of milk, or hold it between your bottom teeth and gum.
- Avoid running the tooth under tap water or storing it in tap water.
- Without touching the root, try to place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with a piece of gauze.
- If you’re unable to hold the tooth in place, you can bite down on a gauze pad to help alleviate pain and bleeding.
Call Us if You’re Having a Dental Emergency
Never hesitate to call us if you experience dental trauma. Schedule an emergency appointment by calling Plaza Family Dentistry in Kansas City, MO, at (816) 531-8000.
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