When Do I Need a Same Day Emergency Dentist?

The number of dental-related emergency room visits has doubled since 2010. Sometimes, the dental emergency is a sign of another illness, like diabetes or heart disease. But much more often, the situation is exclusively a dental emergency.

Even the most well-equipped ERs are often not staffed for these situations. They may do not have the proper diagnostic equipment either. For these purposes, you need a same day emergency dentist. At our Ft. Lauderdale office, we see basically two types of urgent care patients. Some have sustained tooth trauma injuries. A growing number have put off routine items, like tooth cleanings and cavity fillings or have a chipped or cracked tooth. These conditions sometimes become so painful that the patients simply can no longer stand it.

Urgent care from a same day emergency dentist is much more effective if you follow a few simple tips before you pick up the phone.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Step one in any emergency is to keep yourself calm. Crown placement is a fairly routine procedure. Moreover, sometimes a filling can fill the crack or chip.

Rinse the area with warm water to wash away bacteria. Then, apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling. These two things prevent the damage from getting worse and give Dr. Stone a better chance to work on the tooth.

Toothache or Bleeding Gum

These issues can be the sign of a serious illness or the result of neglect. If you rule out the former, that just leaves the latter. It’s amazing what a good cleaning and a filling can do. Depending on how bad the damage is, Dr. Stone may need to do more intense work. But that’s further down the road.

For now, take a non-aspirin pain reliever and contact us. Do not use aspirin. This anticoagulant (blood thinner) can cause serious problems once Dr. Stone starts correcting the problem in your mouth.

Triggering Symptoms

Every tooth issue does not necessarily need attention from a same day emergency dentist. So, as well as noting the problem, take stock of your symptoms before you call us:

• Source Discomfort: Everyone has different pain tolerance levels. If the discomfort inhibits everyday activities, like sleeping, working, or eating, a same day emergency dentist needs to examine you.
• Non-Source Discomfort: Some dental problems cause headaches and/or neck aches. Other people experience things like fever or irregular heartbeats. If your doctor ruled out other bodily illnesses, you probably have one of these dental problems.
• Bleeding:  The bleeding can come from either the tooth or the gumline. Dental emergencies that cause blood loss require the attention of a dentist.
• Cosmetic Issue: Your chipped tooth may not be bleeding, but if you have a job interview the next day, you still need to see a same day emergency dentist. Dr. Stone can help with the reconstructive process.

Possible infection is another trigger. If the area is tender to the touch, you probably need to see a same day emergency dentist.

Never be afraid or embarrassed to call Dr. John Stone about an urgent care matter. Even if you do not need emergency treatment, you will get additional peace of mind. To schedule your appointment with Best Dental Associates, call us or make an appointment online today.