General Dentist in Chester: What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

No one ever wants to have a dental emergency, but if this happens to you, it is nice to know you can get the help you need. Your general dentist should be able to make a same-day or after-hours appointment for you. However, dentists would not consider every situation to be a dental emergency. It is helpful to understand what conditions are serious enough for you to call immediately and get to the office as soon as possible. Other issues can wait until the next day or later.

What makes it a dental emergency?

A lot of problems can occur in a person’s mouth, but this does not mean it is a dire situation. An emergency is something that requires immediate, professional attention. Something of this magnitude has critical consequences and cannot wait to be addressed. If a person is unable to function in regular activity while compromising their health and safety, the situation is an emergency. In a dental emergency, lack of prompt care could lead to further health problems.

Abscessed tooth

If a patient has extreme mouth pain and swelling, there is a good chance an abscess is the culprit. This is a serious infection in the tooth’s root. It can come on if the patient has a cavity that has not been treated or by significant gum disease. If a dentist does not address this issue, the abscess can spread into other parts of the jaw and mouth.

Eventually, the infection could spread throughout the body. The dentist will kill the infection. Then, the affected tooth will be cleaned out. The dentist may be able to save the tooth if the patient acts quickly.

Broken tooth

An accident such as a slip and fall or a vehicle collision can knock out a tooth. Injuries from playing sports and other precarious activities can also break or pop out a tooth. For cosmetic and health reasons, the person needs to call a dentist right away. A broken tooth can lead to infection. The dentist can repair the tooth with a crown, veneer or bridge.

Severe toothache

Many people get toothaches every now and then. These could occur by eating something extremely cold or hot. However, if a person has a constant, unbearably painful toothache, it is time to see the dentist without delay. It will not likely improve on its own. This pain could mean the person has a significant cavity or infection that requires a root canal.

No reason to put off a dental emergency

You may shrug off these issues as being normal, but they are anything but routine. Ignoring dental issues can bring on more severe consequences to your mouth and body. You should not have to live with pain and discomfort. The general dentist has the training and tools to help you overcome infections, tooth fractures or even missing teeth. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice any of these problems affecting you and your quality of life.

Request an appointment here: https://thechesterfielddentist.com or call Chesterfield Dentist at (804) 412-0867 for an appointment in our Chester office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

How A General Dentist Treats Tooth Decay

If you're looking for help from a general dentist to treat tooth decay, there are several things to consider before making an appointment with one to ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible. First, you'll want to find the best dentist for treating tooth decay. The second thing you'll want to do is think…

What To Do When You Have A Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is a serious and sometimes scary matter that can be treated by a dental professional in various ways, depending on its severity. However, there are certain things that you should do before arriving at the dentist to restore the health and appearance of your broken tooth. This review discusses how to handle…

Your Cosmetic Dentist Talks About How To Prepare For Whitening

One of the most popular procedures performed by a cosmetic dentist is teeth whitening. Because in-office treatments deliver immediate results, many people choose to invest in this option to enhance their smile.Although this procedure is performed frequently, many patients are unaware there are steps to take before the appointment that can help ensure the results…

How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Correct Minor Issues

Few people realize how many common teeth issues can be addressed by a cosmetic dentist. Whether it is a feature of the appearance or trouble with biting and chewing, patients can find restorative and aesthetic treatments in cosmetic dentistry. This area of work focuses on improving an individual’s tooth aesthetics in regards to position, shape,…

Recent Posts

How A General Dentist Treats Tooth Decay

How A General Dentist Treats Tooth Decay

If you're looking for help from a general dentist to treat tooth decay, there are several things to consider before making an appointment with one to ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible. First, you'll want to find the best dentist for treating tooth decay. The second thing you'll want to do is think…

What To Do When You Have A Broken Tooth

What To Do When You Have A Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is a serious and sometimes scary matter that can be treated by a dental professional in various ways, depending on its severity. However, there are certain things that you should do before arriving at the dentist to restore the health and appearance of your broken tooth. This review discusses how to handle…