If you have experienced an accident, there is a line between a dental emergency vs an injury that can wait a couple of days. Today we will be going over scenarios where an oral injury needs treatment but isn’t considered a dental emergency
What Is A Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a scenario where an injury or condition must be treated immediately. For example, if you are suffering from an excruciating toothache, this needs to be looked at ASAP since this is likely an infection that has reached severe levels.
Next, if you have knocked out a tooth, it can be saved if stored in milk and brought to us if the process is quick enough. These were just a couple of scenarios, but the general idea is that if it absolutely cannot wait, it is considered a dental emergency.
Scenarios That Are Not Emergencies
A non-emergency is something that can wait until someone is ready to see you. Let’s say you accidentally chipped a small part of your tooth, but it isn’t painful or exposes sharp edges to the rest of your mouth. The tooth does need to be treated, but it doesn’t pose any immediate dangers to you- the tooth can be bonded in a few days or less.
Another scenario is dental fillings falling out. There are definitely dangers to leaving this unattended since that hole in your tooth is now exposed to bacteria that can cause more cavities or an infection- but this does not happen overnight. Store the filling in a safe place and avoid touching the now empty spot with your tongue. In fact, you can put a piece of sugar-free gum over the cavity to temporarily shield it until you are ready to be seen.
Do You Need Treatment?
If you are in need of treatment, call our office and tell us what is wrong. We will set up an appointment for you without any fuss!