Dental Emergencies: When to Seek Immediate Care

No matter how well you take care of your smile, you may find yourself in a sudden dental emergency. Your chances for one are never zero, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for them. One of the best ways you can do this is to know when you will need urgent dental care in Arcadia and what can wait until the very near future. Well, here’s a guide about these types of situations so you feel confident making a call to your dentist.

What Are Some Urgent Dental Emergencies?

There are serious incidents that will require you to be seen the same day. Doing so will help you avoid further harm, so visit your dental practice if:

• You Have Severe Discomfort: Dental pain like this can be worrying, but it can be a sign of a serious issue like an infection. These need to be treated right away, as the bacteria can spread and cause tooth loss when left untreated.
• There’s a Dental Abscess: These are also caused by an infection, but they manifest as a small bump on your gums. Aside from discomfort, you may also have a fever and swelling.
• A Tooth Sustained Damage: A chip or crack can compromise the integrity of the structure, increasing the risk of additional harm and bacteria may be able to reach the inner pulp.
• Your Tooth Is Loose or Knocked Out: These are some of the most urgent. You will need to see your dentist within the hour it happens to give yourself the highest odds of saving it.

What Isn’t Considered an Urgent Dental Emergency?

While several scenarios do call for urgent oral care, other ones may not, such as:

• Minor discomfort that doesn’t linger.
• Food stuck between your teeth.
• Loose restorations, such as a crown or veneer.

These often don’t need to be seen right away, but you should still call your dentist about them. Your provider can give you tips on how to find relief at home or get you in as soon as possible to ensure you avoid complications.

Do I Have to Call My Dentist?

In the end, you should pick up the phone if you are worried about anything. No matter what you are concerned about, big or small, that’s a good enough reason to give them a quick call. You will be able to explain your situation and then get the solution you need to get the relief you deserve.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Canzoneri earned his dental degree from Northwestern Dental School. He is proud to help the Arcadia community throughout their oral healthcare journey, especially if someone ends up with a dental emergency. By trying to see you the same day, we can use state-of-the-art technology to find and treat the problem. If you want to protect your grin, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Canzoneri’s office at (626) 446-1679.