An emergency dentist provides prompt and efficient care for dental crises. They assess the condition, relieve pain, and offer treatment to prevent complications.
Some symptoms that indicate the need for immediate dental care include severe tooth pain, swelling, bleeding gums or loose teeth. Here’s how you can find a reliable emergency dentist.
Identifying the Emergency
When you are in pain, and your problem cannot be managed with over-the-counter medication or home remedies, call your dentist right away. Describe your symptoms to them, and they will schedule you to come in as soon as possible. Often, this is the same day.
In the meantime, you can take steps to control your symptoms and prevent further damage. These may include applying a sterile compress on bleeding gums, using salt water to rinse and manage an oral infection, or placing a dental filling in a chipped tooth to protect the exposed nerves.
When you visit your emergency dentist, they will perform an examination and x-rays of the area to determine the source of your problem. They will also evaluate the severity of your issue and recommend treatment options. They will discuss aftercare instructions as well to help you avoid future issues.
Visiting the Dentist
Most dental emergencies are not severe enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room. However, some issues may get worse if not treated in a timely manner.
It is important to stay calm and take steps to alleviate pain and prevent further damage until a dentist can see you. This might include taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, and rinsing with warm saltwater to soothe inflammation.
It is also a good idea to try to save any broken or knocked-out teeth. This may involve putting them in a glass of milk or water, or keeping them between your gums and cheek until you can see an emergency dentist. Emergency dentists are able to perform some medical procedures, but they cannot set broken bones or sew up lacerations, so if you have any injuries like these, go to the ER right away.
Managing Pain
When a patient visits an emergency dentist, they receive prompt care to alleviate pain and treat the dental problem. A dentist will usually review the patient’s symptoms and take X-rays before working to relieve the pain and address the issue.
Often, patients will visit an emergency dentist to deal with severe tooth pain or a knocked-out or broken tooth. In addition to treating the immediate dental problem, a dentist will also address the root cause of the problem to prevent future problems.
Often, a toothache indicates an underlying dental problem such as a cavity or a cracked or chipped tooth. Over-the-counter pain medications may be helpful, but it’s best to visit an emergency dentist if the problem persists or the pain is unbearable. Emergency dentists will also help to manage symptoms such as swelling and bleeding until the patient can see their regular dentist for treatment.
Preventing Future Problems
It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a dental emergency, but most people don’t know how to handle the situation properly. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.
Emergency dentists offer immediate care for patients who suffer from various types of urgent dental problems such as severe tooth pain or swelling, broken or knocked-out teeth, and bleeding gums. They operate outside of regular business hours and are available on weekends and holidays.
In addition to providing immediate treatment, emergency dentists also help prevent future dental emergencies from occurring by teaching patients how to properly take care of their oral health and by offering tips for improving their daily hygiene routines. They can also recommend patients to a general dentist for follow-up treatments and maintenance. Most medical insurance plans cover visits to the emergency room for dental concerns, but it’s best to check with your provider before making a trip to the ER.