Visiting a dentist at night or on the weekends is more expensive than an already costly dental visit, and if we’re being honest, spending the day after work or school sitting in a dentist's chair is the last idea of fun. Dental emergencies can and do happen at the worst time, and sometimes that is after a long day or during the wee hours of the night. If you want to learn the difference between a dental emergency and a problem that can wait until the office opens again, this blog is for you. We’ll discuss some of the most common dental emergencies and help you decide when it's time to seek care.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency occurs when a problem with the teeth, mouth, or gums needs immediate attention from a dentist to address serious risks, alleviate severe pain, or prevent additional damage. A dental emergency can occur at any time, however, if it occurs in the late evening or overnight, you’ll need to visit an after-hours emergency dentist for help.
Emergency dentists can see patients at the very moment accidents, injuries, or mishaps occur, making sure their oral health receives prompt attention. Doors are open evenings, nights, and weekends when traditional dental offices are closed, ensuring someone is there to address your needs no matter what time of the day or night.
Common Dental Emergencies
The list of dental emergencies is pretty long, but some problems occur more often than others, like the issues listed below.
- Severe Toothache: Toothaches can lead to serious pain that cannot always be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers or at-home remedies. It can be hard to eat, sleep, or even think when a toothache is at its worst. In those situations, it’s ideal to visit an emergency dentist. Toothaches are caused by infection or decay, and a dentist can determine the cause of these issues, further reducing toothache pain. It's especially important to visit a dentist if you experience sharp, throbbing pain.
- Knocked-Out Teeth: A knocked-out tooth is common amongst athletes but can happen to anyone. If you’re the victim, getting to a dentist immediately is important. Emergency care within 30 minutes increases the odds of a successful tooth reattachment.
- Broken Tooth: A broken tooth can result from biting down too hard on an apple, or simply as a result of sensitive, weakened teeth. A broken tooth can lead to a dental infection, making a visit to an emergency dentist important. The sooner you visit a dentist, the better since your dentist can treat the issue before further damage occurs.
- Abscesses: A tooth abscess is a painful, swollen pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Although patients often ignore abscesses until they become too painful to bear, getting immediate dental care can save a lot of time and damage to your teeth. Tooth infections can spread to other teeth and areas of the mouth if left untreated, further increasing the urgency of visiting a dentist at the first sign of trouble.
- Tooth Injury: Many tooth injuries need emergency dental services, including chipped and fractured teeth, since the issues can lead to discomfort and affect your smile. Quickly visiting a dentist can also help avoid complications like misalignment and infection.
- Injury to the Gums: Cuts, tears, and other injuries to the gums may require a visit to an emergency dentist if it is severe enough. Many injuries can lead to bleeding and discomfort, prompting attention from a dentist as soon as possible.
- Lost Filling or Crown: When you lose a filling or crown, it exposes your tooth to bacteria and damage, which can lead to decay, pain, and additional dental problems. Restore the filling or crown at an emergency dentist to resonate your protection.
Dental emergencies seem to happen at the worst possible times, but luckily, emergency dentists offer care when it's needed, even when most dentists have closed the doors for the day.
If you experience any of the common dental emergencies above or others that you feel deserve immediate attention, reach out to Clemmons Village Smiles for timely emergency dental care.
How to Decrease Your Risk of a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies often occur as a result of poor hygiene or dental care, although they can also result from an accident or other mishap. Use the following tips to decrease the odds of needing emergency dentist services.
- Brush your teeth twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste. Brush gently for two minutes each session to remove dirt, plaque, and grime.
- Don't forget to floss your teeth every single day. Flossing removes particles stuck between the teeth and in the gums that can lead to plaque build-up, tartar, bad breath, and other concerts.
- Use mouthguards and other protective gear when playing sports or participating in activities that expose your teeth or mouth to risks.
- Schedule semi-annual appointments with your dentist. At these appointments, your dentist will clean your teeth and examine your mouth for any issues, giving him time to treat them before larger problems occur.
- Sugary snacks and drinks can lead to decay, gingivitis, and a host of additional oral health problems. Limit your intake of these items, and you can improve the health and appearance of your smile.
- Know how to identify a dental emergency and do not delay care when needed.
- Have the name and number of a trusted emergency dentist on hand to call when and if needed.
- If you have dental work, such as fillings or crowns, maintain them to prevent the need for emergency care.
Final Thoughts
We want to maintain our beautiful smile and keep issues such as chipped teeth, decay, and abscesses away, but sometimes problems occur despite our best efforts. If problems like those we have discussed above bother you, do not wait to visit a dentist and take care of your smile. Emergency dentists can always help restore your oral health, even late at night.