How To Tell If You Should Go To An Emergency Dentist Or Wait
Posted on: 14 March 2022
When you have a dental problem, you might wonder if it's worth seeking out help from an emergency dentist or simply something you should wait on. If you're not sure how to decide, here are three simple signs you need emergency dental care.
Time-Sensitive Problem
There are some dental problems that can afford to wait, while there are others that demand immediate care. For example, serious dental infections, a knocked-out tooth, or broken braces should be looked after immediately. There are a few reasons behind this.
Dental infections often don't cause pain until the late stages, at which point there's already been a lot of damage done. Waiting to see your usual dentist will only allow the infection to ravage your gums and teeth further, which can potentially lead to the loss of gum tissue and even your teeth.
Knocked-out teeth can usually be put back in place without needing a replacement, but only if you get help quickly. Waiting too long will allow the tooth to die, and then it's no longer usable.
Finally, broken braces can potentially injure you. Jutting wires and brackets can cut the inside of your mouth, and that can lead to infections. If you have one of these problems, you definitely need help now.
Pain
Another good reason for seeking help from an emergency dentist is if you're in pain. Some people are determined to tough things out, but there's no reason to when relief is within reach. An emergency dentist will be able to track down what's causing your pain and treat it, giving you relief. If the problem requires additional care, you can always go to your usual dentist afterward.
Out of Town
Finally, if you're out of town, it's a good idea to go to an emergency dentist. Having a toothache or other dental problem while trapped in a car or plane for hours isn't fun for anyone, and sometimes pressure changes can cause dental pain to become worse. Getting your teeth taken care of while you're away from home will ensure that you don't have a headache waiting for you when you get back. Since emergency dentists are accustomed to seeing patients who don't have a history with them, you won't need to work hard to get the help you need.
Dental care can be acquired in many places, but in short, if you have a problem and it's causing you pain, risk of injury, or you can't get into your usual dentist's office, it's a good idea to see an emergency dentist instead.
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