People are doing their best to limit the amount of time they spend outside of their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. However, when unexpected dental issues strike, it can be tempting to go to your local emergency room for assistance. Medical professionals are advising people to only visit a hospital for situations that truly require emergency care so that the staff there can focus their limited resources on COVID-19 patients. But how do you know if the pain in your mouth truly is a dental emergency? Your emergency dentist in Calimesa has identified several symptoms that you can look for to make the distinction. Keep reading to discover these important warning signs.
The Signs Of A Dental Emergency
You’ll need to find immediate assistance if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Inflamed gums that bleed frequently during the day
- Cracked teeth
- Broken crowns
- Constant toothaches
- Swelling
- Sores that don’t heal within two weeks of appearing
- A metal taste in your mouth
- Teeth that are loose or have fallen out completely
On the other hand, there are some issues that can be painful, but don’t require urgent care. These include:
- Canker sores
- Bad breath
- Small chips on teeth
- Staining
- Mild sensitivity while eating
If you experience any one of these issues, you should tell your dentist during your next regular checkup appointment.
Where You Should Go For Help With A Dental Emergency
In the event of truly traumatic injuries like a broken jaw bone or lacerated cheeks, you should go immediately to a traditional emergency room. However, for issues that are slightly more tolerable, consider visiting your emergency dentist first. Reasons why you should include:
- Shorter wait times: Hospitals are currently dealing with staff and equipment shortages while trying to keep up with increased patient loads caused by COVID-19. As a result, dental emergencies are going to be a low priority for them, which means you are going to be sitting in a waiting area for a while. A dentist’s office will be handling fewer patients at once, so you will be able to get your treatment started sooner.
- Care specific to your needs: Emergency room doctors don’t receive the same level of training in oral issues that dentists do. They also don’t have the specialized tools used to treat them. Most of the time, they will only be able to stabilize you before sending you to a dentist for further care. Instead of wasting time, go to an emergency dentist first. They will be able to use advanced technology to properly diagnose your issue and provide you with care that solves your problem completely.
The next time you are suffering from sudden dental pain, take a minute to evaluate your mouth and determine whether or not you have the symptoms of a true dental emergency. If you do, call your emergency dentist and find out if they can see you before heading to your local emergency room.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Parker strives to provide patients with the best care possible. He continually improves his skills through memberships in professional dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. In addition to preventive visits, his office in Calimesa provides emergency dental care services as well. If you would like to schedule an appointment with him, you can do so on his practice’s website or at 909-795-6019.