It is difficult to describe how frightening and unpleasant it can be to experience a dental emergency. In many cases, patients are unaware about what constitutes a dental emergency, who they should contact, and what they may do at home if they are experiencing a dental emergency. Simply follow these steps to determine the best course of action to take in the event of an emergency dental situation.
DOES IT NEED TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY?
There are some dental emergencies that must be addressed immediately, while others may wait. Understanding the distinction between the two is especially crucial if you have a dental emergency on a weekend or at night, when dental offices are normally closed.
Examples of dental crises that require immediate attention include:
- Gums that are bleeding and won’t stop bleeding
- One or more teeth that are loose or have been knocked out
- The jaw has been injured
- Swelling that hurts
- No relief from an excruciating toothache
- A toothache combined with swollen cheeks or a flushed appearance
- Tooth sensitivity to the extreme.
Dental emergencies should be attended to as soon as possible! If you experience any of the concerns listed above, contact your dentist right away! If you have any of the problems listed above outside of work hours, most dentists will provide you with an emergency hotline. Even if you are still unable to reach your dentist for any reason, you should go to the emergency department if you have a dental emergency that needs to be attended to immediately.
Examples of non-emergency dental situations include the following:
- Fillings, crowns, and bridges that have fallen out.
- An erupting tooth that has broken or cracked (unless the tooth is causing you severe pain)
- The Retainer or the Night Guard has become broken or damaged.
- In between the teeth there is food stuck.
- pain that is dull
- The tooth has a small chip in it.
- Mild sensitivity to the teeth.
Even if you are experiencing a non-emergency dental situation, it is still essential that you contact your dentist as soon as you can. It is critical that you contact your dentist as soon as possible, even if the problem can be put off for a few days.
I’m not sure who to contact.
In the case of a dental emergency, your dentist is the apparent first port of call. However, in some cases, it may be best to proceed directly to the emergency department. When experiencing excruciating pain or bleeding that is not able to be stopped and your dentist’s office is closed, you should seek medical attention at the nearest emergency department.
If you are not experiencing extreme discomfort, it is recommended that you contact your dentist and explain the problem. Don’t be concerned if your dentist is unable to see you right away; most dentists will make every effort to do so. Even though it may seem like it, many dental crises are not life-threatening (despite their appearance!).
IN THE EVENT OF A DENTAL EMERGENCY AT HOME: WHAT TO DO
It is possible that there are things you may do at home to help relieve your pain and repair the situation depending on the type of dental emergency you are experiencing. The ability to remain cool is critical in any emergency situation, regardless of the severity. When you become worried, your body responds in a variety of ways that may exacerbate your situation, so do everything you can to maintain your composure while seeking the help you require.
A list of activities you can do at home to assist relieve any pain or discomfort caused by a dental emergency is provided below:
- Use a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a mug of boiling water as a warm mouthwash to ease irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat area.
- If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, place it in a glass of milk until you can get to the dentist.
- Floss! If you are feeling pain around a specific tooth, it is conceivable that something has been lodged between your teeth or inside your gum tissue, causing the discomfort.
- Cold compresses can be applied to the affected area to assist reduce swelling, numb irritation, and stop any bleeding that may have occurred.
- Hydrogen Peroxide should be swished about the mouth to help kill bacteria and soothe discomfort.
H-Town Dental in Houston provides affordable and high-quality emergency dental care. H-Town Dental in Houston is the place to go if you have a dental emergency.
