While you usually know if you need to go to the ER for a physical emergency, it can be harder to know what constitutes a dental emergency. There are definitely some things that require immediate attention for the best possible outcome in the world of dental medicine. Here are three things that you should check for if you think you may be a candidate for emergency dentistry in Woodway.
How many times have you gotten a toothache and either taken a few painkillers, or made an appointment for a week or so later? The fact is that toothache is a sign that something is wrong, and should be seen sooner rather than later. In most cases, candidates for emergency dentistry with a toothache have an infection that could quickly kill the tooth and spread.
Even if you do not experience any pain with a broken or chipped tooth, this still qualifies you for emergency dentistry. If the issue is not taken care of very quickly, it can lead to more of the tooth breaking off, or to increased chances of decay.
Sometimes swelling in your gums can be nothing – a bit of food particle stuck and having gotten infected, perhaps. But in some cases, swollen jaws could be a sign of gum disease, especially in the lower jaw. This is one emergency dental care need you can’t ignore; if you allow swelling in the lower jaw to spread, it will go to the neck, where it could cause issues with breathing.
If you are not sure if you are a candidate for emergency dentistry, feel free to call us at 254-776-4888. You can also contact us online. We can help you decide what is an emergency, and tell you what to do with the tooth while you are on your way to our office in Woodway.
