Dental emergencies can be devastating if they’re not handled correctly. Some can even be life-threatening. Yet many are not handled well. Around one in five emergency room visits relate to dental emergencies, but for the best care, people should really be going to, well, the dentist.
The trouble is, not everybody really knows what constitutes a dental emergency. Also, not all dental surgeries offer emergency dentistry. It can be difficult to know where to turn when you’re in pain and your usual dentist is finished for the day.
This quick guide will make sure you know whether you are really having a dental emergency and that you can quickly find a reliable emergency dentist near you.
Contents
What is a dental emergency?
The following is a list of symptoms which you can take as signs of a dental emergency. That means you should seek treatment as soon as you notice them. In many cases, they are the result of injuries. However, they can also be sudden onset symptoms of diseases or infections.
- Severe toothache
- A cracked tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- A partially dislodged tooth
- An abscess inside or around your mouth and jaw
- A dental restoration (like a crown) has gone missing
- Deep cuts around or inside the mouth
Mild toothaches, broken braces, and small cuts are not usually emergencies.
First aid
There are a few things you can do to help during the period before you go to the dentist. Rinsing your mouth with warm water is commonly recommended, and if there is blood you should apply a soft, absorbent material like gauze to soak up the bleeding. If you are in pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth and take a painkiller.
In the event that a tooth or restoration comes out of your mouth, you can rinse them but do not scrub or clean off any tissue that is still attached. For a knocked-out tooth, store it in milk or mild saltwater until you can get to the dentist.
Finding an emergency dentist
Now that you know you have an emergency and have taken some steps to relieve your pain, here are some ways to find a reliable emergency dentist.
Call your regular dentist
Many general dentists also do emergency work. If yours doesn’t, but you can still get through when you call, see if they can recommend one.
Online directory or search engine
The internet has made it easier than ever to locate an emergency dentist. A quick web search, e.g. “emergency dentist Midland,” can work wonders.
Call a hospital emergency apartment
Some have emergency dentists on the staff, and if not then most can recommend someone because they receive enquiries like this a lot.
Contact a dental school
Many of these have emergency dental clinics, and they usually cost less than other places. This is useful if your insurance doesn’t cover dental emergencies.
Conclusion
When it comes to emergency dental care, it is crucial to act fast. Now that you know what a dental emergency is, what you can do to help, and how to find professional emergency care, you’ll be able to act quicker if one ever happens to you.
