It’s Saturday morning, and tooth pain is causing you to rethink your weekend plans. But does that also mean you need a same-day emergency dental appointment? Or is it bad enough that you should head to the ER? Or can this wait until Monday?
It depends, but you don’t have to make that decision on your own or diagnose yourself with the help of Dr. Google.
If something feels wrong, call us at (585)302-2919. We offer emergency dental appointments in Rochester, NY, where we can help you understand what’s happening with your teeth and what steps you’ll need to take next.
How Do I Know If I Have a Dental Emergency?
Pain is a signal something is wrong, but that doesn’t always mean it’s an emergency.
Ask yourself:
- Am I having trouble breathing or swallowing?
- Is my face, jaw, or mouth significantly swollen?
- Is bleeding continuing despite pressure?
- Was a permanent tooth knocked out?
- Do I have a fever, pus, or a bad taste in my mouth?
- Is the pain bad enough to keep me awake?
Your answers are going to point to one of three options: a medical emergency, an urgent dental appointment, or an issue that can wait for a regular appointment on Monday.
If you aren’t sure which one applies, call us. We can help you decide.
When Should I Go to the ER for a Dental Problem?
Most dental emergencies can and should be treated by a dentist, not a hospital. However, there are some symptoms that require immediate medical care.
Go to the emergency room if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rapid or significant swelling in your face, jaw or neck
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Major trauma to your face or jaw
- Signs that an infection is affecting your overall health
These symptoms can affect more than just the health of your teeth.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, a broken tooth, a lost crown, or another dental issue, calling your dentist in Rochester is the best first step.
What Dental Problems Need Same-Day or Urgent Care?
Some dental problems need immediate attention even if they don’t actually require a trip to the emergency room. Seeking care right away for dental concerns like these can not only relieve your pain but also prevent further dental health concerns.
Call us for a same-day appointment if you are experiencing:
Severe Tooth Pain
Severe, constant, or throbbing pain needs quick attention, especially if it’s getting worse or keeping you awake.
Decay, a crack, inflammation or infection can all cause significant pain. You may not see anything unusual when you look in the mirror, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss your pain.
If you are rearranging your day because of the pain, call us.
Swelling in the Face or Gums
Swelling is a concern, but it’s an even bigger deal if you are also experiencing pain, a fever, a bad taste in your mouth, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
These could all be signs of a serious dental infection, and these can spread beyond your teeth. Don’t wait days to see if the pain goes away on its own.
If the swelling starts to affect your breathing or swallowing, you should head to an emergency room immediately.
A Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth is time-sensitive. The sooner you can see a dentist, the more can be done to save your tooth.
Pick the tooth up by the crown (the hard enamel part you normally see), and do not touch the root. Gently rinse the tooth off, preferably with milk, but water is fine. Then insert it back into the socket by gently pushing it into place. The sooner you can do this, the better.
The best place to keep a knocked-out tooth until you can see the dentist is in the mouth, even in the side of your cheek if you can’t get it back into the socket. The second best option is in a glass of milk. Just remember not to touch the root.
A Cracked or Broken Tooth
A small, painless chip can usually wait for a scheduled visit. A significant break or a chip that causes bleeding or pain will need attention sooner, especially if you are experiencing a lot of pain, sensitivity, or bleeding that seems to be coming from the tooth rather than from the surrounding gums
Until you can see a dentist, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that’s experienced the chip. A damaged tooth can be more fragile than you might think.
Lost Filling or Crown
Losing a filling or crown can be alarming, but it isn’t always an emergency.
If the tooth is comfortable and there are no sharp edges or additional damage, you may be able to wait for a scheduled appointment. If the tooth hurts, feels exposed, or has sharp edges that are cutting your mouth or tongue, call for an urgent appointment.
Possible Dental Abscess
A dental abscess can cause intense pain, swelling, tenderness, and bumps on the gums that look like pimples. You might also run a fever or generally feel unwell.
An abscess needs professional treatment. Even if the pain suddenly improves, there may still be infection present in the mouth that could spread.
What Dental Problems Can Usually Wait Until Monday?
Some problems might be inconvenient but not urgent. You can usually wait to call the dentist on Monday if you are experiencing
- A small, painless chip in the tooth.
- Mild sensitivity that’s not getting worse.
- A lost filling with little or no pain.
- Minor gum irritation.
- A cosmetic concern that isn’t affecting how you talk or chew.
The keyword here is stable. If your symptoms are mild and staying the same, you can call during regular office hours. If things are getting worse, call sooner.
And if you are ever in doubt, always call us at (585)302-2919.
Dental Emergency in Rochester? We Can Help
You don’t need to make a diagnosis at home before you contact us for help. Pain, swelling, or a broken tooth are all very good reasons to give us a call.
Full Heart Dentistry welcomes new patients and accepts emergency walk-ins. We’ll examine your mouth, identify the issue, and explain your treatment options. We offer comprehensive dental care services, including fillings, crowns, implants, and more, so you can get the treatment you need without traveling from office to office.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Rochester, NY, contact Full Heart Dentistry at (585)302-2919 or visit our office on Winton Road.