What constitutes an "emergency"?

Question

I phoned the dentist today to get an appointment because I've got a cavity in my tooth and I need to get it filled, but they're fully booked until mid September unless it's "an emergency". I said it wasn't, but how much pain should I put up with before I decide it IS an emergency?

Just now, the tooth hurts if I eat anything sweet, and it's starting to get a bit sensitive to cold things. But I don't have a constant toothache or anything like that (mind you, the pain when I eat sweet stuff, although brief, is ******* sore!!!)

When does it become an emergency? Is it only if it gets to the stage of having a constant toothache?

I told the receptionist I thought I had a cavity, and she said as long as I wasn't in a lot of pain I'd have to wait.......but I really don't want to leave it until I'm in a lot of pain, because surely by then I'll need to get it pulled out because it will be so rotten?

Answer 1

I'm sorry that you are in some discomfort, but you may have to wait a while if you want to see that particular dentist. My first question would be, how long has it been since you've seen the dentist? If it has been within the past year or two, did you know if you had cavities & if so, why did you not schedule for them to be fixed? The dental office is booked because of current patients who make appointments to get their dental work done and it is difficult to find room for patients who haven't been in for a bit. I'd suggest that you call the dental office & set up a time for an exam & x-ray so that they can diagnose if there is a cavity or not and then get you scheduled for whatever it is that needs to be done. You can also ask that they put you on the cancellation list. If you are available to come on short notice (even REALLY short notice), let them know that you can come at ANY time! They just might call you up in a few weeks. Hope this informaton helps & that they can take care of you soon. Good luck!

Answer 2

I guess a dental "emergency" usually means when you've got a really bad toothache and you can't eat/sleep etc etc......

But I can see your point - if you leave it that long it WILL become an emergency at some point, and it's really better to get it fixed now than to wait (which I did, and ended up having to get the tooth pulled out because it was unsalvagable!). Try other dentists in your area, or maybe a dental access centre? And if you don't have any luck, I'd phone your dentist back and explain that you know you've got a cavity and you're in some pain from it and you want it filled asap so it doesn't get really bad. I'm sure they'd be able to squeeze you in somewhere, I mean a filling doesn't take that long.

Answer 3

I'm a dentist.

We are not obligated to fit you in, despite the posts above that suggested otherwise. We are, however, obligated to see you at the next "available" appointment (provided you have not been dismissed from the practice more than 90 days ago).

When I get calls from patients making complaints similar to yours, I do not treat them as emergencies.

"Emergencies" require immediate treatment. Severe pain, believe it or not, is not a true emergency. Most doctors (including yours truly), however, are kind enough to empathize with your situation and try to get you out of pain as soon as possible.

A good example of a true emergency would be a dental abscess that may compromise your airway. That requires immediate treatment because you might die within hours without treatment. An avulsed tooth is another good example of a true emergency. The longer you wait to reimplant the tooth, the less chance there is of the tooth being properly retained by the bone.

Pain, broken teeth, and cavities are not true emergencies.

All you have is a cavity that is somewhat sensitive. You are not an emergency patient.

Answer 4

Hi dear I can really understand your point...Well I am also a Doc and I try to explain some issues.....
Firstly I have also seen similar cases when patients use to approach me and ask me as when does a simple problem turns into emergency..and I use to wonder....So I studied WHO (world health Organisation's) protocol on what constitutes an emergency ...and the answer I found after my research is put below..

Emergency should now be defined as subjective to patients..so if you feel that your tooth is troubling you so much that you need doctor as soon as possible, then it must be considered as emergency........HOwever to avoid fake emergency cases (inwhich patients just pose to have aggreveted problems when in reality he is having minor problems), the emergency becomes objective and should be decided by the doctor .....

now lets throw some light on what should you do...humm its tricky...What you can do is discuss with the receptionist that you are very much worried and psychologically disturbed and need treatment ASAP (but you should say it only after you feel so ).....and if you can delay as per the advise given by your Doc, then ask him if delaying would increase the problem or not..

Answer 5

I wouldn't say it's an emergency, because it isn't something that if it doesn't get taken care of today, you'll lose the tooth or die or be in debilitating pain or something.

But, it does need to be taken care of before September. It can get worse and you could end up needing more extensive work. Plus, you shouldn't have to live with pain for four months. Call them back again and explain it to them and if they won't get you in, you should go to a new dentist (if you insurance lets you).

Answer 6

I think you need something for the pain Tylenol or Motrin will work you should call the doctor back and ask them if by any chance anyone cancels a visit please call you and let you no they will do that tell them that you just cant take it anymore if some one cancels an appointment then your in. Oh ya and at the drug store they have temporary cement for cavities that fall out maybe they have something for a starting cavity its worth the look or ask the pharmacist.

Answer 7

usually an emergency is considered a life or death situation. In your case try going to another dentist. In the laws of ethics they really are not supposed to turn patients or clients away. It is there job to fit you in sometime. Tell them that you will find another place to go to and see if they call your bluff. But I would tink about going somewhere else. I would consider a cavity a emergency.

Answer 8

Your not in constant pain now, but you soon will be. And Sod's Law dicates that the real pain will start during the weekend when the dentist is shut. Phone them back, tell them your in pain, and its an emergency!

Answer 9

Tell them it is an emergency when you phone next, it starts with a cavity, but they can become abscesses if left untreated, and also your in pain, good enough to need treatment.

Answer 10

i guess in that situation an Emergency would be till you think you need it taken care of ASAP. You can also go to the ER but I dont really know what they do. I just know people who have went there for that type of thing.