Dental emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. These can cause pain, discomfort, and stress. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sudden and severe toothache or a knocked-out tooth.
Knowing what to do in a dental emergency is important. It can help cut the damage and ensure a faster recovery. Data shows that around two million visits to the ER were due to dental pain. Many people could’ve gone to their local dentists if they knew what to do during a dental emergency. This post discusses the facts about emergency dental care services.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency and a regular dentist visit are two different things. A person who has a dental emergency requires immediate attention. He or she is experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or trauma. The emergency could involve the potential loss of a tooth or damage to the gums. Prompt care from an emergency dentist is vital in these situations.
A regular dentist visit is a routine appointment. It focuses on preventive care and maintaining oral health. People often visit their dentist for dental cleanings and checkups. They also go for preventative procedures like fluoride treatments or fillings. These visits are always scheduled. They’re also done to ensure dentists catch any issues early.
What are Common Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies are distressing and daunting. Some of them can even be life-threatening. They might even need an emergency dentist to prescribe painkillers or antibiotics. Here are common situations that need emergency dental care.
- Severe Toothache: Severe tooth pain is an infection or can be other underlying issues. Someone experiencing this should rinse their mouth with warm water. He or she should also contact an emergency dentist.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: A blow to the mouth can knock a tooth out. So can an accident that involves the face. When this happens, the individual should hold the tooth by the crown. He or she should rinse the tooth with clean water. The patient can try reinserting the tooth back into its socket and holding it in place. He or she should then get urgent dental care.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth: A chipped or broken tooth needs a rinse in the mouth with warm water. Experts say warm salt water is better. It cleans the gums and helps ease the pain. The patient can also apply a cold compress if there’s any swelling. Try to save any broken tooth fragments and see a dentist.
- Abscessed Tooth: An abscess is a severe infection. It can cause pain and swelling. Anyone with an abscessed tooth needs urgent dental care. They should see their dentist as soon as they can. The infection can spread to other parts of the body.
What Can Patients Expect from Emergency Dental Care Services?
Patients needing emergency dental care must book an appointment as soon as they can. They’ll undergo an initial examination once they arrive at the emergency dentist. Patients must tell their dentist all their symptoms. This ensures the dentist can prescribe and give the best possible treatment.
Emergency dental offices will provide immediate attention to urgent cases. The emergency dentist will diagnose the issue. He or she will then recommend the appropriate treatment. This could mean medications for pain or infection. It can also entail procedures to repair or replace damaged teeth.
What to Do When You Need Emergency Dental Care
People who need emergency dental care should do the following:
- Remain Calm. A person experiencing severe tooth pain or another dental emergency must stay calm. He or she should focus on controlling their breathing. The individual should then assess the situation before deciding on the next steps.
- Seek Help. Anyone who needs emergency dental care should ask for help. He or she can ask the people around them for support. They can provide first aid or help the individual get proper care.
- Contact Emergency Dental Care Services. Patients can call the nearest emergency dentist. They can also look for clinics providing dental emergency support.
Before You Go
Do you need emergency dental care? You can rely on the skilled and compassionate team at Pat Crawford, DDS. We provide a variety of tooth replacement options. We specialize in dental implants, bridges, and crowns. Our company also uses the latest dental technology. Why don’t you give us a ring at 262-496-3761? We’ll show you why we’re the best dentist in Kenosha.
