Dental emergencies can strike at any moment, causing discomfort, pain, or anxiety. Whether it's a severe toothache in the middle of the night or a broken tooth hours before an important meeting, these situations call for instant treatment. An emergency dentist provides immediate care in order to relieve pain, prevent further damage and provide definitive dental solutions.
What Does an Emergency Dentist Do?
An emergency dentist specializes in addressing urgent dental situations. Unlike regular dentists who operate on appointments during regular office hours, emergency dentists offer services outside typical working hours, including late evenings, weekends, and holidays. They prioritize cases according to their severity and provide prompt treatment to ease pain and discomfort.
Emergency dentistry is a broad field that covers a wide range of dental issues. Dental emergencies include broken, chipped or knocked out teeth, severe toothaches and lost dental crowns or fillings, abscesses and oral infections, as well as injuries to soft tissue such the lips, cheeks and gums.
Why Do You Need an Emergency Dentist?
Time is of the essence when it comes to dental emergencies. Immediate attention prevents complications, limits damage, and in some cases, can even save a tooth.
If you have a knocked out tooth, for example, immediate action can mean the difference between saving the tooth and losing it. The dentist may be able to replant the tooth if you seek help within 30-60 minutes.
Severe toothaches indicate a hidden issue, often an infection or abscess. Ignoring the pain can lead to an infection that worsens, posing more serious health risks including sepsis. An emergency dentist can provide immediate relief, determine the cause, and develop treatment plans.
How to handle a dental emergency
Until you can reach an emergency dentist, there are steps you can take to manage the situation better. For a knocked-out tooth, rinse it gently without touching the root, and try to place it back in the socket. If that isn't possible, store it in a small container with milk, which helps to maintain the correct balance of cell growth factors necessary for reimplantation.
For cases of extreme toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate pain, but they should not be placed against the gums Dental Group of Beverly Hills near the aching tooth as they can burn the gum tissue.
Find an emergency dentist
Having the contact of an emergency dentist on hand is crucial; it can save you from losing precious time in seeking help during a crisis. Ask your regular dentist whether they offer emergency services. If not, request them for recommendations. Search engines and local directories can also be excellent resources. Check for dentists who have good reviews, and see if your dental plan is accepted.
Remember, dental emergencies are often unpredictable. It's essential to maintain regular dental check-ups to prevent potential issues. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing frequently, avoiding foods that can break or crack teeth, and wearing mouthguards while playing sports, can help prevent many dental emergencies.
In the realm of health care, an emergency dentist plays a crucial role by providing immediate relief in unscheduled, painful situations. They are the first line in preventing damage from dental emergencies and protecting the oral health of individuals.