When should I schedule a dental emergency vs. a normal visit?

We all know that it’s important to visit the dentist from time to time. However, there are some times when we should book an emergency appointment. While it’s important to go for a regular checkup every few months or so, there are some instances where treatment can’t wait. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what types of dental concerns constitute an emergency. If you’re suffering from any of the conditions outlined below, then be sure to get in touch with a dentist that specializes in emergency dental care in Mesquite TX.  

If you’re in pain

There’s nothing worse than waking up with dental pain. While sometimes you’ll be able to figure out what’s causing it, most of the time, you won’t know — and you’ll need a professional to tell you. While tooth pain can resolve itself on occasion, most of the time, you’ll need some form of treatment. And in any case, it’s important to rule out anything serious. The earlier your dental pain is treated, the less risk of complications there’ll be, so don’t wait until you’re in agony to get in touch with a dentist.

Your tooth has come out

If you’re involved in a traumatic event that involves the loss of a tooth, then it’s important that you’re scheduling an emergency appointment with a dentist in Mesquite, Texas. Your tooth may have come out, but in many cases, it can be put back in if you’re quick, just be sure to keep your tooth in a glass of milk on your way to the dentist. If it’s not possible to put the tooth back in, then the dentist can suggest other treatment options, and also give you something for the pain, if there is any. 

You’ve got an infection

Keeping your mouth clean will help to keep infections at bay, but there may be times when bacteria finds its way into your mouth, and you find yourself with a dental infection. It can sometimes be a while before a patient even realizes that they have an infection; by the time they realize, it’s usually necessary to receive treatment as soon as possible. Infections won’t go away on their own. Indeed, they’ll only grow worse over time, and can ultimately lead to tooth loss if they’re not treated.

General teeth concerns

If you have general teeth concerns, but you don’t think things are an emergency or overly troubling, then you’ll probably be able to wait for a normal visit to seek advice. It’s when you’re experiencing something that causes pain or other mouth troubles, or anything that seems highly unusual, that you should seek an emergency visit to the dentist. 

Regular checkups 

Finally, remember that you shouldn’t wait for an emergency or for something to feel out of place before you schedule a visit to the dentist. You should also book yourself in for a checkup every six months or so. Doing so can usually prevent many bigger problems from developing later on down the line.