Getting immediate dental care is essential for preserving your teeth. Several types of injuries can qualify as dental emergencies, including severe pain and uncontrolled bleeding. If you don’t know whether your condition constitutes an emergency, or are unsure about where to get emergency dental care, it is best to contact your regular dentist to ask for their advice. Your dentist should be able to recommend an emergency clinic or an on-call dentist that can help.
However, some dental injuries can wait until a dentist’s office is open. Understanding what can be treated and what must be addressed immediately will help you save time and money.
Call Your Dentist
Have you ever bitten down on something hard and had a jolt of pain shoot up your jaw? Or woke up in the middle of the night with a throbbing toothache that won’t go away? If so, then you’ve experienced a dental emergency and should seek treatment right away.
Seeking emergency dental care is important because it can provide relief from pain and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. It can also save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for more expensive treatments down the road. Emergency treatment can also prevent severe complications from developing, such as infection or even tooth loss.
Drive to the Dentist’s Office
When you’re suffering from a dental emergency, you need prompt treatment. The longer you wait, the worse the issue becomes. This is particularly true for injuries such as severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding and broken facial bones.
The good news is that many dentists are available beyond the traditional office hours, making it easier than ever to receive the help you need when you need it most. Find an emergency dentist you trust and keep their contact information handy, so you’re ready for a dental crisis.
It’s also a good idea to research local emergency dentists and ask friends and family for recommendations. You can even check the Internet to see what other people have to say about their services. For instance, you can find reviews of dentists who offer emergency services on websites like this one. Also, consider choosing a dental plan that offers emergency coverage so you’re prepared for the unexpected. This can make a big difference in the outcome of your emergency dental care.
Take Some Over-the-Counter Measures
Taking some over-the-counter measures can help alleviate pain and control symptoms, such as bleeding or swelling. It can also allow the patient to remain calm until he or she can reach a dentist for proper care.
Dental emergencies are situations requiring immediate attention from a dentist due to severe pain or other urgent symptoms. These issues could include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth due to accidents or trauma, abscesses causing extreme pain and swelling, or loose fillings or crowns exposing the roots of the tooth.
During emergency dental care, the dentist will thoroughly explain the problem and recommend treatment options. He or she will then treat the affected area and make follow-up appointments for any necessary evaluations and treatments. This allows patients to track healing, minimize complications, and guarantee the long-term effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, the dentist can educate patients on preventative dental care to keep their mouths healthy between visits.
Schedule an Appointment
When you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it’s essential to take immediate action. Seeking treatment early prevents further complications and alleviates pain. Additionally, it may save you money in the long run.
Unfortunately, some dental symptoms seem like emergencies but don’t actually require urgent treatment. It’s important to understand what constitutes a true dental emergency, such as facial swelling, severe bleeding, or extreme unrelenting pain. Only a dentist can determine whether you need immediate treatment, especially after hours or on the weekends.
It’s also vital to know how to schedule an emergency appointment so that you can get the care you need as quickly as possible. Many dentists offer extended evening and weekend appointments, while others accept walk-ins for emergencies during regular business hours. Additionally, some insurance plans have options that allow for after-hours care. Additionally, some ERs and urgent care centers offer emergency dental services as well.