Like ER visits and burst plumbing pipes, common dental emergencies don’t always confine themselves to the hours of 9 and 5. So what do you do when you have a chipped tooth or an infection brewing and it’s midnight during the week or noon on a Sunday? Well, if it’s a true emergency, waiting till the office opens the next day isn’t a good idea, and running to the ER could take hours; plus, it doesn’t give you access to a dental professional who can effectively address the issue.

That’s why most dentists, like Hudson Family Dental, offer emergency services just for times like these. But what constitutes a dental emergency? That’s what we’re here to help you with.

 

What are common dental emergencies?

A dental emergency warrants immediate attention in most cases. Certain injuries to your gums, teeth, or jaw can become serious very quickly, resulting in further damage if not addressed right away. Whether you have an abscess or a knocked out tooth, contact your dentist immediately. They can advise you on next steps.

Not all dental problems are actual emergencies. But in general, if you have pain in your mouth that does not get better with medication, broken facial bones, or bleeding that won’t stop, you will need emergency dental care.

 

 

In general, there are a few instances that qualify as a dental emergency:

•     Severe toothache, especially when accompanied by a fever
•     Badly cracked tooth
•     Partially-dislodged (extruded) tooth
•     Dental abscess (swelling of the jaw and face)
•     Lost or broken dental restoration (fillings, crowns, implants)
•     Severe soft tissue injury (deep cut or busted lip)

 

What’s NOT a dental emergency?

There are certain situations that do not qualify as dental emergencies. While it’s still important to see your dentist as soon as possible, it’s OK to get an appointment the next day or during regular business hours.

Here are some examples of issues that don’t qualify as dental emergencies:

• Dull or mild toothache
• Small crack or chip in your tooth
• Broken braces
• Object stuck between teeth
• Minor soft tissue injury (small sore or cut)

That being said, if you are experiencing severe bleeding or pain, seek out care from your dental or healthcare provider right away.

Troubleshooting the difference between dental emergencies and regular visits

You can prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort while preserving your smile when you take the time to understand the difference between an emergency and a minor dental issue that can wait.

Dental emergencies are certainly painful but also negatively impact both your oral and physical health if ignored. You may wonder: when does my dental issue need immediate care and attention, and when can I put it off to the next day? Here are some guidelines to help you decide.

• Pain level: Severe pain, bleeding, discoloration, and swelling are typically signs of a serious problem and should be addressed right away.
• Missing teeth: From injury to accident, this requires an immediate visit to the dentist in an attempt to save the lost tooth or teeth.
• Loose teeth: Grown adults should never have loose teeth, even when not accompanied by pain. Loose teeth indicate a serious problem, so give your dentist a call immediately.  
• Signs of infection: Signs of infection include fever, gum discoloration, facial swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and bad breath.  If neglected, these issues can become very serious very quickly. If you have any of the above symptoms, seek immediate care.
• Presence of blood: It’s generally a cause for concern if your gums are bleeding.

What if you’re still not sure?

No problem! That’s what the emergency line is there for. Here at Hudson Family Dental, one of our dentists is available 24/7 for immediate consultation and treatment. Simply explain the situation and your dentist will recommend next steps, whether you should head into the office for treatment or it can wait till the next day.

Contact Hudson Family Dental today

If you are faced with a dental emergency after hours, we welcome you to call our emergency line at (978) 562-2782. Our dentists are on call 24/7. Keep in mind that once a month, we offer Saturday hours from 8am to noon. Sunday is the only day we are closed for regular appointments; during the week, we offer convenient hours that extend into the early evening. With our emergency services, you’ll get the same compassionate care and attention that you have come to expect from our 9 to 5 dental team!