Like any emergency, a dental emergency can be a scary experience. Whether it is a cracked, chipped or lost tooth, a person is likely to experience two things: The first is pain and the second is fear — fear that the smile will never be whole again. Fortunately, there are dentists out there who specialize in dental emergencies and who are prepared to alleviate the pain, restore the smile and provide peace of mind.
Though a person may fear that all dental emergencies are urgent, the truth is that some emergencies require immediate attention while others can wait until the next business day to be treated. It is important to understand the differences between the two so that dentists are not overwhelmed with non-emergencies at all hours of the day, night and week.
The following are examples of emergency dental issues that should get immediate care:
These dental issues should be dealt with right away. A person experiencing any of these issues should contact the nearest emergency dentist right away.
Most general dentists who handle emergencies have a hotline number listed on the practice’s website. If the dentist does not answer, the injured person should visit the local emergency room.
Though individuals should contact a dentist for non-urgent dental emergencies, it is okay to wait until the following business day to do so. Examples of non-dental emergencies include a cracked or broken tooth, a lost filling, bridge or crown, dull tooth ache or food stuck between the teeth.
Regardless of the type of dental emergency a person experiences, there are actions that can be taken at home to deal with the situation and alleviate the pain. First and foremost, the injured person should remain calm. When the body senses anxiety, it triggers a number of adverse responses that may make the emergency worse.
Swishing with warm saltwater can help alleviate the swelling and pain associated with a dental emergency. If a person loses a tooth, it helps to put the tooth in a glass of milk to preserve it. A cold compress can help to numb irritation, reduce swelling and stop bleeding, while rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can help to alleviate irritation. If the issue stems from food stuck between the teeth, flossing should help dislodge it.
Dental emergencies are never fun, but individuals can make them less stressful by knowing how to respond in the event that one occurs. From differentiating between an urgent and non-urgent dental emergency to remaining calm to knowing what steps to take to alleviate pain, you can work through the next dental emergency with ease. It can also be helpful to discuss an action plan with an emergency dentist, just in case.
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