Something went wrong, and it’s Saturday morning during Covid-19 restrictions. You want to be respectful to the people who truly need a dental appointment, but you feel like your teeth need medical attention. How do you know what constitutes a dental emergency? If you’re living in the Bryan-College Station area and wonder if the pain or discomfort you feel is considered a dental emergency, Anderson and Atkins DDS is here to help. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you decide if you have a true emergency. If you’re still unsure, call our office at (979) 846-1813, and we’ll help you determine whether or not it’s time to make an appointment.
Q1: Am I in pain?
Pain is your body’s way of alerting you that something isn’t right. Pain in your mouth can indicate a large cavity, trauma to your teeth or gums, or exposure to a tooth structure as a result of a dislodged crown or fracture. If you experience pain, call Anderson and Atkins to set up an appointment.
Q2: Are my gums swollen?
Swelling is often associated with an infection and should be treated immediately. If left unattended, you risk a life-threatening situation. Call our office if you experience any swelling in your mouth. If the swelling makes it difficult to breathe, call 911.
Q3: Did I experience trauma?
Trauma occurs when your teeth are broken or dislodged, or an event causes lacerations or bruises on your face. If this happens, call Anderson and Atkins. In most cases, we will recommend coming in for an evaluation.
Q4: Can I eat and speak normally?
If something happens and you have difficulty speaking or eating, don’t hesitate to contact our office. If the office is closed, you can use the emergency numbers provided on our voicemail to get in touch with someone on our team.
What to Expect at the Appointment
After a phone consultation, we may determine that you have a dental emergency and schedule a time for you to come into the office. At the appointment, we will perform x-rays and a limited exam to determine the problem area. In many cases, you are unable to identify the specific tooth or location of the pain. Once we identify the problem, we will perform the necessary treatment, prescribe antibiotics, or refer you to a specialist. Emergency procedures include tooth extraction, root canal, occlusion adjustments, large fillings, or denture repair.
If you can answer “yes” to any of the questions above and live in Bryan-College Station, call Anderson and Atkins, DDS today. If you’re still unsure about whether or not your dental problem is an emergency, our staff is happy to assess your situation over the phone. Our family dentistry is here to help patients of all ages, so contact our office if you have any questions.