When you have a toothache that keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep or makes it impossible to focus on daily tasks, you need relief fast. We often hear patients say that they weren’t sure whether their toothache was an emergency, especially when it happened over the weekend.
So, how do you know if you need to contact a dentist right away or whether it can wait until Monday?
3 Signs You Need to Contact Urgent Dental Care
Our office is open from 9 AM until 9 PM seven days a week, and we encourage you to call us when you need immediate care.
Here are the top signs that you shouldn’t wait until Monday to make an appointment:
Sign #1: Uncontrolled Bleeding or Severe Facial Swelling
According to the American Dental Association, the gold standard for patient education in the United States, severe facial swelling and fever could indicate an abscessed tooth. When bacteria enter your tooth’s pulp chamber, it can cause a serious infection and lead to tooth loss and other health issues. If you have uncontrolled bleeding from a mouth injury or severe facial swelling and fever, call our office immediately.
Sign #2: A “Knocked-Out” or Partially Dislodged Tooth
If your tooth gets completely knocked out, time is critical. The sooner we can reinsert your tooth, the better. Without touching the tooth’s roots, try to gently place it back in its socket. Or you can place it in some milk or store it inside your cheek until you can reach our office.
Sign #3: High Fever or Chills Accompanying Dental Pain
Any time you have a high fever, it’s your body’s way of trying to tell you something. And when a toothache accompanies fever and chills, you need to contact us right away. If not treated promptly, this type of dental infection can spread to other parts of your body.
When Can You Wait?
Although we always encourage you to call us if you’re not sure, there are some scenarios where you can wait until Monday before making an appointment:
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- A lost filling or crown
- Mild sensitivity
- Minor gum irritation
- Tooth pain that subsides with over-the-counter pain relievers
Need Immediate Dental Care in West Allis, WI?
If you have a toothache in West Allis or the surrounding area, we’re just a phone call away! At Urgent Dental Care, we offer same-day emergency care, giving you the peace of mind you need when the unexpected happens.
To schedule an appointment, please reach out to us at (414) 667-0911.