Should the Venue Pay for My Emergency Dental Visit?

I went to this smallish bar/venue that I have been to many times before. Generally, it’s a really chill place to hang, but this night it got crazy. Somewhere to the right of me a fight broke out. I don’t know what happened, but I’m getting pushed by a crowd. The bouncer comes and starts popping people in the mouth and grabbing them to shove them out. I got hit in the mix. My mouth was bleeding, but I didn’t think much about it. I thought it was just a lip thing. Today I noticed one of the teeth is turning gray. Is this a dental emergency or can I wait? Should the venue have to pay for the appointment?

Dan

Dear Dan,

Man holding his jaw in pain

When you get that grayish color on a tooth it is because the tooth is dead or dying. At that point, it is generally too late to do anything except treat the tooth with a root canal. The reason for that is to prevent all that now stagnant bacteria from developing into an infection. If you are not in pain, I would not necessarily consider it a dental emergency. However, if there is pain or pain develops, then, yes, you will need an urgent appointment.

When Do You Have a Dental Emergency?

  • Toothache
  • Signs of Infection, such as pain/fever/puss
  • Knocked out Tooth

Even if it is not an emergency I would not put off scheduling an appointment. The tooth will eventually become infected without that treatment.

Should the Venue Pay for This?

They might if they have a police report on the incident or they are just generous. However, there is no guarantee. If they don’t want to and you think they should, you can seek legal advice and see what type of case you have. Either way, you will be expected to get the care you need right away. If further treatments become necessary because you delayed necessary treatment, the court will not add those in the settlement.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.