Most dentists advise you have regular checkups at least twice a year. Sometimes, there may be a reason you seek dental treatment outside of your regular checkup appointment. You may even find yourself needing emergency treatment, so booking a same day dental appointment may be necessary.
What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?
Unless you are a qualified dentist yourself, it can be hard to determine whether or not a same day dental appointment is needed. There are a few situations that require emergency treatment, due to the potential for lasting damage if not seen by a professional quickly and receiving treatment if necessary.
The most common reason people seek a same day dental appointment is injury or some kind of trauma to the face or mouth. If teeth are cracked or broken, it is recommended you are seen by a dentist as soon as possible. If the teeth can be fixed, receiving treatment quickly reduces the risk of further damage. Speedy treatment can also help alleviate any pain that may have resulted from the injury. If a tooth is too badly damaged to be fixed, a quick extraction helps avoid any lasting damage and potential infection.
Another reason you may need a same day dental appointment is if any previous restorative work, such as broken crowns or veneers, is damaged and needs immediate attention. This could also include any issues with orthodontic braces. Issues such as these can lead to pain and discomfort, and even, potentially, more serious problems, if not dealt with as soon as possible.
If someone is experiencing severe pain, it is advisable to contact your dentist to see if a same day dental appointment is necessary. Pain can be caused by a number of different things, some of which are serious and may result in infection or tooth loss. If you are worried, it is always best to be safe and be seen as soon as possible.
If you feel you need emergency treatment regarding anything to do with your teeth or mouth, it is far preferable to see the dentist rather than go to the hospital emergency room. Doctors at a hospital have not had specialized training for dealing with dental emergencies. It is also important to consider other emergency patients who will need hospital treatment.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency or are unsure if you need a same day dental appointment, contact your dentist today for help and advice.