A dental emergency can strike at any time, and it’s important to know what to do when one occurs. If you are like most people, you probably don't think about dental emergencies until one happens. And when it does, it's usually a big surprise! A dental emergency can be anything from a toothache that won't go away to a broken tooth. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don't panic! In this article, we will discuss what to do when you have a dental emergency and how to find an emergency dentist in your area.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is a common occurrence. We've compiled a list of factors to consider when trying to determine if you are experiencing a dental emergency:
Are you in severe pain and have you been in pain long?
Are you bleeding?
Is there swelling?
Do you have a fever?
Are you having difficulty swallowing or breathing?
Did I get a tooth knocked loose or completely out?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be experiencing a dental emergency. The next step is to contact an emergency dentist.
If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency you should call 911 or get to an emergency room. However, in most cases, if you go to the emergency room for a dental emergency, they will simply refer you to a dentist.
What to do when you have a dental emergency
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is try to remain calm. The next step is to call an emergency dentist. If you don't have an emergency dentist, you can call your regular dentist. In case you cannot get into a dentist right away, you may need to look for another dentist with extended hours and/or a dentist that takes walk ins.
What about less severe problems?
There are some dental problems that are not considered emergencies, but you may still need to see a dentist right away. Some of these include:
toothache that doesn't go away after a couple of days
chipped tooth
cracked tooth
dental filling falls out
dental crown falls off
If you are experiencing any of these problems, you should still call your dentist right away. These problems can often be fixed with a simple dental procedure, but if they are left untreated, they can turn into dental emergencies.
What are some common dental emergencies?
Here's a list of some of the most common types of dental emergencies:
Dental abscess
Knocked out tooth or teeth
Swollen jaw
Inflamed bleeding and swollen gums
Sudden, severe pain in your jaw, tooth, gums
Tips for avoiding a dental emergency
Here are some tips to help you avoid a dental emergency:
Brush and floss your teeth every day. This will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to dental emergencies.
See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
Wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports
Do not use your teeth to open packages or bottles
Be careful when eating hard foods
Chew slowly and carefully
If you have a dental emergency, don't hesitate to call us at Bent Creek Dental. With their help, you can get the treatment you need to avoid further dental problems. We are trained to handle all types of dental emergencies and can often see you on the same day that you call. So, don't wait, call us today!