Toothaches don’t always wait for business hours, and they can often disappear as soon as you pick up the phone. So, when pain strikes unexpectedly, it can be hard to know whether to wait it out or call your dentist anyway. Here’s a quick guide to help you recognize a true dental emergency so you can save your smile.
What Counts as a “Dental Emergency?”
Not every dental issue is a full-blown emergency, but some symptoms definitely shouldn’t be ignored. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe Tooth Pain: Especially if it’s sudden, throbbing, or makes it hard to eat or sleep.
- Swelling in Your Face or Gums: This could be a sign of infection and should be seen quickly to prevent serious complications.
- Knocked-Out or Loosened Tooth: For this issue, time is critical. You’ll usually need to get to a dentist within 30 minutes to an hour to save the tooth.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth: Minor chips can often wait, but a deep crack with pain or bleeding should be seen as soon as possible.
- Swollen Bump or “Pimple” on Your Gums: These often indicate infection and can spread if left untreated.
- Persistent Bleeding: If a cut or puncture in your mouth has been bleeding for more than 10 to 15 minutes, you should go to the nearest ER, immediately.
When Can a Dental Issue Wait?
These issues aren’t usually emergencies, but they can still affect your health and comfort if left alone:
- Mild tooth sensitivity
- Dull, manageable toothaches
- Lost fillings or crowns (unless causing pain)
- Broken dentures
- A small chip with no sharp edges or pain
This means that even if you don’t need to scramble to schedule a same-day emergency appointment, you should still call your dentist as soon as possible. There’s no reason you should suffer just because your condition isn’t life-threatening.
If you’re in need of emergency care, don’t wait it out. Call a dentist who offers same-day care so you can get back to smiling. Quick treatment can relieve your pain, prevent complications, and help avoid more costly procedures down the road.
About the Practice
At Smileworks General & Cosmetic Dentistry our friendly and knowledgeable dental team pulls out all the stops to provide quality care. If you need urgent dental care in Mt Pleasant, we use the latest dental technology to help you find relief. No matter what dental disaster you’re facing, we can help you get through it, often on the same day! Call (843) 654-7300 to schedule an Invisalign consultation with us or visit our website to see more of the services we offer.