Anyone who has ever had a tooth break in the middle of a midnight snack knows that a dental crisis does not always abide by 9-to-5 office hours. A dentist who can be reached 24/7 is a great resource for the times when it’s impossible to wait a day (or even a few hours) for an appointment. But how do you know when to see immediate help, and when you can hold off on seeing the dentist? Here, Dr. John Benedetto of Wrigleyville Dental in Chicago, shares his advice on when to seek emergency care.
Avoid After-Hours Treatment (If Possible)
Of course, it may be near impossible to avoid having an emergency after hours (after all, they typically are not premeditated), but try not to let any dental problems reach the point where you must seek immediate care at an inconvenient time. For example, sometimes a patient will know that he has had a toothache for months, but will put off seeking care until a Friday afternoon and expect to be seen: This is not the best way to proceed. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist at the initial onset of the problem, to avoid it advancing to the point where it is extremely painful or dangerous.
Be Aware of Costs and Limitations
Beware that emergency care differs from a procedure performed during regular office areas. Often times the dentist will not have assistant on hand for emergencies and will therefore be limited in the types of procedures he can perform solo. Remember that extra costs may be involved in an emergency case — a dentist may charge more for the same procedure otherwise performed during an office visit (some dentists may even require that the patient pays in cash at the time of treatment, to avoid any payment problems down the line). Also keep in mind that you are interrupting the dentist from his personal time away from his work—he could have indulged in a glass of wine at dinner, or just awoken from a deep sleep that may affect his ability to perform your procedure at his best ability.
Know a True Emergency
In the case of a true emergency, do not hesitate to contact a dentist immediately. Any time you experience swelling, especially when it begins to move into the angle of your jaw, call your dentist right away. Any kind of swelling requires medical attention, especially if it is accompanied by a fever. Swelling can be dangerous because it can travel down your throat and prohibit you from breathing. Such a condition is caused by an abscessed tooth, where a cavity travels into the nerve or gums and then moves (thanks to gravity) down the neck. Keep in mind that any infection in the mouth is located dangerously close to the brain. Left untreated, a dental abscess can become a brain abscess, which can cause life-threatening problems like a coma or stroke.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
