Dental emergencies can truly throw a wrench in your day. One moment you’re eating a sandwich at your favorite restaurant in town and the next you’re clutching your jaw in pain. Any plans you had that day are foiled thanks to a cracked, dislodged or even avulsed tooth.
Thankfully, you don’t have to settle when you know an emergency dentist in Brampton Is ready to help. Learn the benefits of having one nearby and what to recognize during a dental emergency!
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Most emergencies are very clear. A broken bone, severe bleeding, unbearable chest pain; these are all examples of an emergency that requires immediate addressing. However, tooth pain is not always so clear. For example, you may bite down on your favorite food and notice your tooth chip or crack in the process, but that doesn’t mean you need to see a dentist immediately. If there’s no pain present, you can visit during normal business hours.
However, if you experience any of the following situations, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. They include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Fractured teeth (particularly if the crack extends below the gum line)
- Broken, missing or loose restorations (crowns, fillings, implants etc.)
- Severe tooth pain or sensitivity that doesn’t go away
An Emergency Dentist Can Solve the Source of Your Issue
If you’ve ever been to the emergency room for a dental issue, you were probably disappointed by the lack of care you received. Many emergency rooms don’t have a dentist on staff and therefore can’t actually treat the issue with your tooth, other than provide some painkillers and maybe a cold compress to reduce swelling.
What’s even more telling is the fact that thousands of Canadians are visiting the ER for oral health problems when they should be visiting a dentist. According to a report issued by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, approximately 58,000 visits to emergency rooms in 2012 were for oral health problems.
If you want your dental issue solved, you’re far more likely to do so by visiting an actual dentist rather than a general doctor.
More Hours Means More Availability
Many people know that dental practices simply aren’t open when an emergency is happening. That results in people putting off a dental issue that worsens over time, therefore resulting in higher dental costs overall. However, when you visit a practice that has hours as late as 8 p.m. multiple days a week or open hours on Friday and Saturday, your dental emergency doesn’t get pushed to the wayside.
The more availability a dentist has, the more likely you’ll get your emergency handled. In the case of a knocked-out tooth where time is of the essence, this can make a huge difference.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact a dentist in Brampton today!
About the Author
Dr. Vince Fava earned his DDS degree from the University of Toronto. Since then, he’s received additional training in oral surgery and anesthesia, allowing him to provide care to those experiencing significant dental emergencies. To learn more about his practice or get your issue handled today, you can contact him through his website.