King Street Dentistry - Blog

Knowing when to contact an emergency dentist can save your teeth and prevent serious complications. Many dental problems seem urgent but can actually wait for regular office hours. However, certain symptoms require immediate attention from an emergency dentist to prevent permanent damage or life-threatening situations. This King Street Dentistry in Cambridge provides help for patients to distinguish between true emergencies and issues that can wait.

True Dental Emergencies Requiring an Emergency Dentist

Severe, Uncontrollable Pain
Intense dental pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications signals a serious problem requiring an emergency dentist. This type of pain often indicates a severe infection or abscess that needs immediate treatment. The pain may be throbbing, constant, or worsen when lying down.

Facial swelling accompanying severe pain suggests the infection is spreading beyond the tooth. This combination of symptoms requires urgent care from an emergency dentist to prevent serious complications. Delaying treatment can lead to hospitalization or life-threatening infections.

Knocked-Out Teeth
A completely knocked-out permanent tooth represents a true dental emergency requiring immediate attention. Time is critical when seeking care from an emergency dentist for avulsed teeth. The best chance of saving the tooth occurs within 30 minutes of the injury.

Handle the tooth by the crown only, avoiding touching the root surface. Rinse gently with water if dirty, then try to reinsert it into the socket. If reinsertion isn't possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva while seeking an emergency dentist.

Significant Facial Swelling
Facial swelling, especially around the eyes, cheeks, or neck, indicates a serious infection requiring an emergency dentist. This swelling can spread rapidly and potentially block airways or affect vision. Fever accompanying facial swelling suggests a systemic infection.

Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing requires immediate emergency room care before seeing an emergency dentist. These symptoms can indicate a life-threatening situation that needs urgent medical intervention.

Uncontrolled Bleeding
Heavy bleeding from the mouth that doesn't stop with direct pressure needs attention from an emergency dentist. This bleeding may result from trauma, surgery complications, or severe gum disease. Continuous bleeding for more than 15 minutes requires professional evaluation.

Apply clean gauze with firm pressure to control bleeding while seeking care. If bleeding continues despite pressure, contact an emergency dentist immediately. Some cases may require emergency room treatment before dental care.

Non-Urgent Issues That Can Wait for Regular Hours

Mild to Moderate Toothache
Toothaches that respond to over-the-counter pain medication can typically wait for regular dental appointments. While uncomfortable, these situations don't require an emergency dentist if pain remains manageable. However, monitor symptoms closely for any worsening.

Use cold compresses and pain relievers to manage discomfort until your appointment. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods that might trigger pain. Schedule a regular appointment within a few days rather than seeking an emergency dentist.

Small Chips or Cracks
Minor chips or cracks in teeth without pain can wait for routine dental care. These cosmetic issues don't require an emergency dentist unless accompanied by severe pain or sharp edges cutting the tongue. Save any broken pieces in milk or water.

Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect soft tissues. Avoid chewing on the affected side until professional repair. Schedule an appointment within a week rather than contacting an emergency dentist.

Lost Fillings or Crowns
While inconvenient, lost fillings or crowns rarely require an emergency dentist unless causing severe pain. Clean the area gently and avoid chewing on that side. Temporary dental cement from pharmacies can provide short-term protection.

If the tooth becomes extremely sensitive or painful, then contact an emergency dentist. Otherwise, schedule a regular appointment within a few days for proper restoration replacement.

Decision Tree: Do You Need an Emergency Dentist?

Step 1: Assess Pain Level
Rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10. Pain levels above 7 that don't respond to medication may require an emergency dentist. Pain that prevents sleep or normal activities also suggests urgent care needs.

Consider how long the pain has persisted and whether it's getting worse. Sudden onset of severe pain often indicates a serious problem needing an emergency dentist.

Step 2: Check for Swelling
Look for any facial swelling, especially around the jaw, cheeks, or neck area. Swelling that affects eye opening or neck movement requires an emergency dentist immediately. Take photos to document progression if swelling develops.

Swelling accompanied by fever suggests a serious infection needing urgent care. Don't wait for regular office hours if these symptoms are present.

Step 3: Evaluate Bleeding
Assess any bleeding from the mouth or gums. Light bleeding that stops with gentle pressure can usually wait. Heavy bleeding that continues despite pressure requires an emergency dentist.

Bleeding following trauma or that seems excessive needs immediate evaluation. When in doubt about bleeding severity, contact an emergency dentist for guidance.

Step 4: Consider Trauma
Any dental trauma involving knocked-out teeth, jaw fractures, or severe cuts needs an emergency dentist. Sports injuries, falls, or accidents often cause damage requiring immediate care.

Even seemingly minor trauma can cause internal damage not immediately visible. Have any dental trauma evaluated by an emergency dentist to prevent complications.

What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Dentist Care

Pain Management
Use over-the-counter pain medications as directed while waiting for an emergency dentist. Ibuprofen works particularly well for dental pain because it reduces inflammation. Avoid placing aspirin directly on gums as this can cause burns.

Cold compresses applied to the outside of the face can help reduce swelling and numb pain. Apply for 15 minutes at a time with breaks between applications.

Protecting Damaged Teeth
Cover broken teeth with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks. Avoid chewing on the damaged side until seeing an emergency dentist. Rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean.

Save any broken tooth pieces in milk or saliva to bring to your appointment. These fragments might be reattachable by the emergency dentist.

When to Go to the Hospital First
Some situations require emergency room care before seeing an emergency dentist. Difficulty breathing or swallowing needs immediate medical attention. Severe facial trauma with possible jaw fractures should be evaluated at a hospital first.

High fever with dental symptoms may indicate a serious systemic infection requiring hospital care. The emergency room can stabilize your condition before dental treatment.

King Street Dentistry in Cambridge provides emergency dental services for urgent situations. Located at 1515 King Street East, Suite 109, the practice offers after-hours emergency care when needed. Patients can contact King Street Dentistry at 519-219-6363 for emergency dental situations or to determine if their symptoms require immediate attention.