When you have an accident or you’re suddenly feeling unexpected dental pain, it can be hard to know what you should do in the moment. Too often, dental issues fall in the gray area: you don’t know if you can wait for a treatment or if it’s a priority to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Some people hesitate to call for emergency dental services because they don’t want to overreact, or they are scared of the dental treatments that might be needed. But the reality is that waiting too long can make the situation worse, because delayed treatment often leads to infection and more intensive dental treatments in the future. Not only do your costs go up, but it can be more stressful to resolve a problem when it continues getting worse.
At myDental, our experienced team is here to provide full-service support for your whole family. We’ve created a Traffic Light System to help you decide on the next steps that should be followed for your dental treatments.
Dental Emergencies: The Traffic Light Triage System Explained
Consider the severity of your dental emergency by using a red, yellow, and green light system. The goal is to know when to wait for your appointment or if you need immediate dental treatment. Here’s a quick overview:
- Red Light: If the symptoms are urgent and disrupting your daily lifestyle, then they fall into the red category. You need to act now and call an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
- Yellow Light: When your dental symptoms are uncomfortable, or you notice something different in your mouth, then it means that you should call a dentist soon, but you probably don’t need emergency treatments.
- Green Light: Anything that falls under the green category is focused on self-care, monitoring, and preventive dental treatments. This is the ideal zone where we want to keep our patients to ensure long-term, healthy smiles.
Red Light: Call an Emergency Dentist Immediately
If you or a loved one has a red light issue, then it means that you need to pick up the phone right away to schedule an appointment at our dental clinic. These red light issues often involve infection, trauma, injuries, or symptoms that are rapidly getting worse. Examples of these emergency red-light issues include:
- Severe dental pain
- Dental issues with swelling or fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- A knocked out tooth
- An abscessed tooth (a pocket of pus or infection)
Keep in mind that these issues usually don’t go away without treatment. You shouldn’t wait to see what happens, because delayed treatment could lead to severe complications. Call our team at myDental right away so that we can evaluate your needs and provide immediate recommendations.
Yellow Light: Call Soon and Watch Closely
With a yellow light situation, your dental concerns are urgent, but your overall condition is still stable. You need prompt dental treatment, but it isn’t a serious emergency. Keep in mind that it’s important to call for dental services as soon as possible, because delaying care often results in manageable situations turning into emergencies. Examples of situations in the yellow-light category include:
- A broken crown or filling
- Mild or moderate tooth pain that isn’t improving
- Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing
Sometimes, you can use temporary toothache relief options, such as flossing around the tooth to remove stuck particles of food. But just because you experience pain relief, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the problem is resolved. It’s best to schedule a dental appointment within 24 to 72 hours.
Green Light: Safe to Wait with Self-Care
Anything that falls in the green light zone means that you have a low risk or no risk of complications. In this category, it is safe to wait for the appointment, especially when you are proactive about self-care and good oral health habits at home. Monitor the symptoms and contact a dentist if there is anything that needs to be addressed. Examples of things in the green-light category include:
- Mild tooth sensitivity
- Small chips (without pain)
- Minor gum irritation
Some of these things can be resolved at home by brushing and flossing, or using saltwater rinses. Make sure to pay attention to any changes and stay consistent with regular checkups and cleanings to stay ahead of any issues that might arise.
FAQs
How do I know if I have an urgent dental emergency?
If you are experiencing pain or damage to your teeth or gums, then you should call an emergency dentist immediately. Other signs of an urgent dental emergency include swelling, fever, or a rapid worsening of your symptoms.
How can I pay if I need emergency treatments without insurance?
Rest assured knowing that an emergency dentist is always available to help, regardless of whether you have dental insurance. We have self-pay options and can help you find financing programs if needed. We’re here to help patients who need emergency dental care with no insurance services.
Call a Trusted Emergency Dentist at myDental
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, then you should call our dental team without delay. Even if you are unsure about your symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out. The sooner you receive treatment, the easier it is to resolve your oral health concerns with minimally invasive services.
Rest assured knowing that myDental is here to assist with all of your dental needs. Contact us to book an appointment at one of our convenient locations.
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