It’s 9 pm on a Saturday night and you’ve been throwing back Advil all day in an attempt to alleviate the steadily, increasing pain in your mouth. Something is obviously wrong but what can you do about it at this time of night, and is it really an emergency?
So, what’s the definition of an emergency when it comes to your teeth? Basically, anything that causes you extreme discomfort can be an emergency dental issue. If you get in an accident and injure your teeth or mouth, that is also an emergency dental problem that requires immediate assistance.
Here is some more information on what constitutes a dental emergency and how to handle it the right way with an emergency dentist in Bradford.
Common Examples of Dental Emergencies
There are multiple reasons you may need emergency dental attention, and we’ve seen them all. Listen to your body and observe whether you have any outward signs that may need immediate attention.
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Facial swelling which may be an indication of an oral infection
- Pain when you bite
- An abscessed tooth
- Bleeding from the mouth or gums that is not related to flossing
- Toothache
- Orthodontic emergency
- Broken dentures
- Broken jaw
We Feel Your Pain
What kind of pain are you experiencing? Dental pain often comes from an irritation of the nerves of the teeth or inflamed gums. It can also be caused by many conditions and can only be truly diagnosed by a professional.
Headaches are another common sign of a dental emergency. Jaw pain can be mistaken for a Migraine. Headaches and mouth pain all go through the same nerves so if a headache persists, it could be the result of a problem with the teeth. Issues like these have a habit of escalating quickly, causing you more pain and discomfort and possibly a larger problem if you don’t see a dentist immediately.
Dental Emergencies Can Happen At Any Time
With the warm weather, we all love to get outside to ride a bike, play baseball, and throw around a Frisbee. Unfortunately, emergency dental clinics often see a lot of clients during the summer months. There are just so many ways to damage teeth when you’re active and playing sports. We suggest you always wear a sports mouth guard as a preventative measure. Bradford Family Dentistry can help by making a custom mouth guard that protects your teeth while you’re winning the game.
And winter activities can be particularly hazardous for our teeth. Sledding, skating, hockey, skiing, and other winter activities can create big unexpected impacts, and if your teeth are involved it might lead to a dental emergency. Weekends often involve lots of family activities and that’s why we have Saturday hours as well as a dental emergency hotline. So while you’re having a blast outside, protect your teeth, but know we’re here to help in case of an emergency.
The Cost of Emergency Dental Work
Yes, it might be expensive. But the pain and potential time off work will cost you more. You don’t need to suffer the embarrassment of missing teeth or the agony of a toothache or abscess. The sooner you see a dentist, the sooner you can heal. Think of the cost the same way you would an engine repair for your car or a new furnace for your home. Emergencies happen, and it’s always wise to have a reserve fund, whatever the nature of the emergency. Your Dentist may offer several options for payment, so make sure you ask and understand your payment options and your dental benefits/insurance policy if you have one.
Dental Issues Hotline
At Bradford Family Dentistry, we can help you with your emergency dental needs. We will prioritize your appointment and ensure that your emergency is seen to as quickly as possible. Our handy dental triage emergencies chart can help you determine if you have a dental emergency. If you or someone you know is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. Contact Bradford Family Dentistry immediately at 1-877-283-0497.