You have a toothache. It’s not interfering with your day-to-day life, but it’s definitely annoying, and your regularly scheduled dental cleaning isn’t for another three months.
Is it time to schedule a visit to the dentist? I hear questions like this at the AZ Family Dental office outside Phoenix all the time. People worry over when to see the dentist. They don’t think they need to make a special appointment for a small problem.
Unfortunately, these small problems can quickly turn into bigger ones if you don’t get them treated early. If you’re wondering how long to wait to see the dentist, I’ve put together a quick guide to answer your questions.
Dental emergencies are the highest priority. You should call the dentist immediately if:
• A tooth is knocked out
• A tooth is broken
• You suffer a cut in your mouth or tongue that doesn’t require stitches, but is nonetheless painful and affects your chewing
• A tooth is pushed out of position
Patients have a harder time determining when to visit the dentist about a non-emergency problem, like a toothache. The pain can come and go, and it’s tempting to put off a visit to the dentist when you already feel like you have 100 things on your to-do list.
Cavities that go untreated can lead to infections or even reach down into the roots of a tooth, requiring a root canal. To avoid those issues, the sooner you see the dentist for your toothache, the better.
The answer depends on your situation. The implant process has three major steps and takes months to complete. Some people wait even longer if they need to save money to pay for the procedure, which is not always covered by insurance.
For any type of dental surgery, it’s best to get it done quickly so the condition of your mouth doesn’t deteriorate and your teeth don’t shift.
As you may have figured out, it’s always best to see your dentist when you have any sort of problem with your mouth. The dentist can help you identify the cause of the problem and help you remedy small issues so they don’t become bigger ones down the line.
You won’t regret going in for an appointment, especially if the dentist finds an issue you need to address right away. Contact us today if you’re experiencing a problem, big or small, in your mouth.
Dr. Matt Parker