Emergency dental issues account for a significant percentage of visits to the dental office. They can happen at any time and to anyone and need prompt medical care. Examples of emergency dental issues range from ordinary dental problems like misaligned teeth, knocked-out teeth, chipped teeth, dental abscesses, and more. The best way to deal with this is to reach out to your dentist immediately.
However, there are various care steps that your dentist will advise you to take.
1. Know the types of dental emergencies
Some dental issues can wait, while others require prompt assistance. Therefore, your dentist will advise that you know the different types of dental emergencies and their symptoms to spot them easily. For example, if you experience a knocked-out tooth or abscess, you should seek immediate emergency dentistry help to avert further problems.
2. Have a first-aid plan!
A dental emergency can happen at night, making it hard to see a dentist immediately. But knowing the best steps to take can save your life. The trusted authority dental care in Lakeway advises that practicing simple first aid steps can ease bleeding, swelling, pain, and jaw irregularities that can develop in the future.
These include;
· Knocked-out tooth- Hold only the crown and avoid direct contact with the root. Rinse the tooth in clean water or milk and try placing it back in its socket. If unsuccessful, place it in a milk container or saline solution and seek dental help immediately.
· Cracked teeth– Cracked teeth are common and can be quite uncomfortable. Gently clean the area and apply a cold compress to the outside cheek. Avoid chewing, and consult the dentist. In case something as such happens to you, you can opt for partial dentures. Your dentist will help determine what suits you best.
· Toothaches– Use pain relievers or rinse your mouth with salty water to ease the pain.
· Dental abscesses– Do not drain the abscess or press it, but you can rinse your mouth with warm, salty water. This will help manage the discomfort as you seek emergency dental help.
3. Choose your dentist wisely
Not all dentists are qualified to handle dental emergencies. Always have contacts for reputable emergency dental clinics in your location. You never know when you will need help! Ensure that the dentist has the necessary tools and experience to handle your dental issue, some may lack the right equipment to handle dislocated jaws or knocked-out teeth. In some cases, you may also need cosmetic dentistry to improve your tooth appearance.
4. Ensure optimal oral care
Taking good care of your teeth helps avoid various dental issues. Simple acts like brushing and flossing your teeth daily will ensure your teeth and gums stay clean. Also, schedule regular check-ups. Dental exams are vital, and you should schedule them every 6 months to detect any issues or dental emergencies early enough.
The bottom line
How you deal with a dental emergency determines the outcome. You may require different procedures to deal with the issue, and an emergency dentist can help. You may need a tooth extraction, root canal, veneers, or implants to have your emergency dentist handle it! It’s best to obtain an emergency dentists contact number in advance to ensure that you can quickly dial them when needed. A simple internet search for terms like “emergency dentistry near me” or “dental implants Chandler AZ” should already give you some options
