Dental emergencies have that nasty tendency to happen when you least expect it at the least convenient times. They typically involve pain, so you’ll probably be eager to get help quickly if you have one. Luckily, dentists provide emergency dental services that can relieve pain, address infections, and prevent tooth loss. Here’s a brief guide to help you quickly find an emergency dentist when you need one most.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
While many dental problems can be frustrating and incredibly inconvenient, they don’t all count as dental emergencies. While chipped veneers, broken dental appliances, and lost fillings may be significant issues to address, they can usually wait for a few days before receiving treatment. Dental emergencies involve debilitating pain and require immediate attention to prevent further damage. A few examples include:
- Severe toothache
- Fractured teeth
- Dislodged teeth
- Lacerations in the gums or other soft tissues
How Can I Get the Dental Help I Need?
Luckily, your dentist’s office stands ready to address your emergency oral health needs. If you have a broken or dislodged tooth, the first thing to do is to locate the lost piece of your smile and place it back in its socket, within the lip, or in a cup of milk or a container with some saliva. If you have a dislodged tooth, touch it only by the crown and never the root. The next thing to do is to call your emergency dentist to explain the situation and let them know that you’re coming. They’ll pencil you in for an upcoming appointment so you can start making your way to the office.
If you have a dental emergency after the dentist’s office is closed, an emergency room can help you until the office opens in the morning. The staff will provide you with pain medication and antibiotics to keep you comfortable and control infection and can even treat a dislodged tooth to keep it in savable condition for up to twenty-four hours.
Being prepared for an eventual dental emergency can help you achieve the best result from a bad situation. Keeping an emergency dentist’s number in your address book is a great way to be ready for the unexpected.
About the Author
Dr. Anil Patel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in Los Angeles and has served at a private dental practice in Weatherford, TX ever since. He is proud to be a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association and a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His office offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. If you are having a dental emergency, dial (817) 717-6788. Otherwise, contact the office online for more information.