Emergency Dentist | Med City Dental Rochester, MN

I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard, “Tooth pain is the WORST PAIN!” If you haven’t personally experienced a toothache, consider yourself lucky.

In this blog we focus on the differences between dental emergencies, medical emergencies, and dental urgencies. We also explore how to navigate each.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

In the dental world we try to determine dental emergency vs dental urgency. This will help to play a significant role in how a dental office will prioritize unscheduled appointment requests. Dental emergencies typically need to be seen as soon as possible. Some of the following are things that should be seen as soon as possible:

1. Dental Trauma

Dental trauma is something that needs to be seen as soon as possible. For example, a permanent tooth is avulsed (knocked out), luxated (displaced), or fractured tooth with nerve exposure. The sooner these cases can be seen the better the long-term outlook.

In the event that a tooth is knocked out it typically needs to be replaced within one hour by a dental professional. The tooth or tooth fragments need to be gently rinsed of debris and placed in a cups with milk or clean drinking water. DO NOT scrub the cells on the root surface! Permanent teeth need to be put back as soon as possible. If a dentist cannot be seen within the hour, it should be gently rinsed and placed back in the socket. In the event that it is a baby tooth, it cannot be placed back.

Displaced teeth need to be repositioned as soon as possible. Displaced teeth will be temporarily ligated with a semiflexible wire or nylon line. The tooth will need close follow-up and possible root canal therapy. It is important to check that your tetanus shots are up to date in the event of trauma leading to displaced teeth.

Tooth injuries involving exposed nerve can be extremely painful. It is best to treat these as soon as possible to keep the victim comfortable. Often times with will be treated with either a partial or complete root canal treatment.

2. Rapid Onset of Severe Pain

Pain that interferes with day-to-day life that is not managed with over the counter pain relievers should not go untreated. Teeth with rapid onset of severe pain need to be seen as soon as possible. This often indicates irreversible pulpal inflammation that will not get better without prompt treatment. Treatment for rapid onset pain is often root canal treatment.

3. Rapid Swelling and Infection

Facial swelling and infections need to be treated with respect. Some swellings and infections can quickly travel via the circulatory system. These infections can affect parts of the face to the eye, brain, and can cause airway constriction. Often times tooth infections will be accompanied with a fever.

What is Considered a Medical Emergency?

While many oral and tooth related issues can be treated by a dentist, there are some instance that the emergency is considered a medical emergency. These are cases where the person’s life is in danger due to their dental problems. In the event of a medical emergency, dial 911 and seek medical care immediately.

1. Difficulty Breathing

Facial swelling leading to difficulty breathing is considered a medical emergency – call 911 and seek emergency medical care immediately! There have been reported cases of death due to dental swelling and infection – do not delay. Infections cause swelling that restricts the airway and can quickly lead to death if not treated properly.

2. Facial Injuries Involving Bone, Jaw, and Soft Tissues

In cases of severe facial trauma, victims need to seek emergency medical care to correctly set bones and repair soft tissues. It is most important to prevent long term effects of bone, nerve, and soft tissue damage. Once the major trauma is managed, the dental emergencies of the teeth and oral cavity can be addressed.

3. Uncontrollable Bleeding and Dizziness

In many cases, minor bleeding can be managed at home or in the dental setting – more severe cases need to be managed in a medical setting with close monitoring and IV antibiotics. Dizziness and light headedness can be an indication of inadequate blood flow to the brain due to blood loss. The source of the bleeding needs to be managed and can also require donated blood in the medical setting.

What is NOT Considered a Dental Emergency? (Dental Urgency)

There are some dental conditions that are considered dental urgencies rather than emergencies. Dental urgencies are cases that should be treated rapidly, but do not need immediate attention by a dental professional in the next 24-48 hours. Let’s review some of those cases below:

1. Chipped or Broken Teeth

Minor chips and broken teeth with the absence of pain are able to wait a few days to be addressed. Many of these cases can be managed in the next few days without major changes in prognosis.

2. Lost Fillings or Crowns

Lost fillings and crowns in the absence of pain are able to wait a couple of days without major changes in prognosis. Lost fillings will often times need to be completely replaced. It is best to keep the area clean until the filling can be replaced. In cases that a crown comes off it can often times be re-used. It is best to keep the crown off of the tooth and bring the crown with you to your dental appointment.

3. Mild Tooth Sensitivity

Mild tooth sensitivity to chewing or temperature often times resolve on their own. Many of these cases can be managed with over the counter medications. Cases where the tooth is bumped or bitten down on wrong can cause short term irritation of the tooth and supporting structures. If the pain and discomfort last greater than Tooth pain that is managed by over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen often indicate that the tooth can heal on its own. If the pain and discomfort last greater than 10-14 days and not managed with over the counter medication it is important to have it evaluated by a dentist.

Emergency Dentist in Rochester, MN

If you ever find yourself in an unfortunate dental emergency, give us a call at Med City Dental. Whether you are a long-term patient or first meeting us, we will get you in and out of pain as soon as possible. Tooth pain is the worst pain – don’t suffer any longer!