It is always a good idea to visit the dentist if you have a painful dental situation. In the event that the problem arises during a weekend, holiday, or at midnight, what should you do? In case of severe dental pain after normal office hours, you will most certainly require an emergency dentist or perhaps an emergency hospital visit. Rather than putting off a routine dental problem until the morning, understand the difference between an emergency that may endanger your health or cost you a tooth.
Is It An Emergency?
Over 22% of people have experienced dental or oral discomfort, demonstrating how common dental emergencies can be. Dental emergencies should only be treated when they cannot be avoided. Any dental emergency must be treated urgently to relieve extreme pain, stop bleeding, or save the tooth. Severe infections may also be fatal. If you have any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from a dental emergency. Call your dentist immediately and explain what has happened. You may have to go see an emergency dentist or the hospital if your dentist's office is closed.
What Isn't a Dental Emergency
When the problem can wait until your dentist can see you in the next few days if it's not an emergency. Take care of yourself and sometimes even critical problems can be postponed for a day or two. Chipped or broken teeth, for instance, can be considered an emergency if the fracture is extremely painful or has left sharp shards that can cause damage. Unless the chipped tooth hurts, you can avoid going to the dentist. You can treat a minor toothache if it is not severe and you do not have signs of an abscess, such as swelling, lumps, or a fever.
Location
1739 NE 122nd Ave Portland, OR 97230-1914
Hours
Mondays & Tuesdays: 7 AM - 3 PM Wednesdays & Thursdays: 8 AM - 5 PM Fridays: Closed