A dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate attention to alleviate pain and resolve the issue. A variety of oral conditions are considered emergencies and can include severe toothaches, knocked out teeth, broken jaw or facial bones, and other trauma to the mouth. Many people who experience dental trauma do not seek treatment, either due to financial concerns or fear of the dentist. These patients end up paying ER bills that can be 10 times the cost of several years of regular dental visits. This article will cover what a dental emergency is, how to recognize one, and where to find the right care when it happens.
While not everyone will experience a dental emergency, there are many conditions that can be treated by an emergency dentist. The most common is a cracked or chipped tooth that can cause pain and expose the roots to infection. Other issues include bleeding that won’t stop, severe or constant pain and broken or loose teeth.
If you experience a dental emergency, it is important to call your regular dentist immediately. They may have an emergency number that you can call after office hours, or they might provide instructions for what to do if the problem occurs outside of business hours.
If your regular dentist doesn’t have an emergency phone number, contact an urgent care clinic or hospital emergency room for further instruction. Depending on the severity of the injury, they might refer you to an emergency dentist or suggest other options for care.
Once you are seen by an,Get Seen By a Professional Emergency Dentist they will perform a thorough assessment and diagnosis of your condition. They might take X-rays of the area to ensure that they get a full picture of the situation. They will also take note of any signs of infection, inflammation or any other abnormalities. Once they determine the underlying cause of your problem, they will create a plan for treatment.
Treatment may include a filling, root canal or even a crown. During any procedure, your emergency dentist will prioritize pain management and may use local anesthesia to help you stay comfortable throughout the process. In some cases, an emergency dentist will need to extract a severely damaged or infected tooth.
After treatment, your emergency dentist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that your condition is healing properly. They will also make recommendations for how to reduce your risk of future emergency dental problems.
Emergency dentistry isn’t something that anyone wants to think about, but if you are injured, it is vital to know where to go and what steps to take for proper care. By following these tips, you can be sure that you will receive the best possible care and get back to normal as quickly as possible.