Your teeth are a vital part of your appearance. Any trauma to your mouth can leave you in serious pain and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious medical issues, such as an abscess.
Whether you’ve suffered oral trauma from sports or an unexplained infection has taken over, you’ll need to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.
If you’re not sure what to expect when it comes to a dental emergency, be sure to keep reading. You’ll learn about the different types of crisis, how to assess the situation, and what you should do in case of an emergency.
Assess the Problem
Before you head to an emergency dentist, you’ll want to determine if it constitutes needing dental emergency care. Though a toothache can take over your day, often time some pain reliever and ice can help alleviate the issue.
Common issues that don’t warrant an emergency include a mild toothache or sensitivity. These are problems that can typically wait, but you should still schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Types of Emergencies
Though mild toothaches may not be considered a dental emergency, if you can’t chew, talk, or swallow without immense pain, you should head over to a dentist.
Similarly, other common dental emergencies include swollen or bleeding gums, swollen jaws, broken teeth, or exposed nerves constitute an emergency. Avoiding these issues can lead to considerable damage and cause infections.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, you’ll need to know what to do to minimize damage.
The first thing you’ll want to do is remain calm. Though it seems easier said than done, panicking in the midst of an emergency will only make the issue worse and can seemingly exacerbate the situation.
You’ll want to have an emergency office on speed dial and call them as soon as something occurs. If you’re missing a tooth, you’ll need to keep it in milk and head over to a dentist as soon as possible.
How to Avoid Emergencies
One of the best ways to avoid the need for dental emergency services is to regularly visit your dentist for checkups. You should go every six months for regular cleanings, as this will allow your dentist to identify any potential issues.
Also, if you play contact sports, you should invest in a quality mouth guard to protect your teeth. You don’t want to lose a tooth while enjoying your favorite hobby!
Brace Yourself for a Dental Emergency
Though no one likes to think about the possibility of immense pain and pricey dental bills, you’ll need to be prepared. It’s always best to have a plan in place to ensure you’ll know what to do.
An emergency dental clinic can help you get your pearly whites back in tip-top shape, no matter what’s plaguing you.
Did you find this guide on what to expect in a dental emergency informative? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more great health and wellness content.
