Dental dilemmas rarely wait for convenient moments to strike. Understanding what constitutes a dental emergency is essential. When you know that you require emergency dental care, it’s easier to communicate your concerns clearly and confidently. Having some ideas of what steps to take while waiting to reach the dentist is also helpful.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care Near Me
What warrants urgent dental care?
In several situations, pursuing emergency dental care is crucial for oral health. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from an emergency dentist if you find yourself dealing with any of the following:
- Dislodged teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Broken, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Lost crowns or fillings
- Dental abscesses
- Severe toothaches
When should you seek a same-day emergency dentist appointment?
Dentists who offer same-day dental care services can manage pain and treat infections. They can also help save and repair damaged teeth and restorations. In doing so, they can restore your comfort, smile, oral health, and peace of mind. However, if you are dealing with severe trauma, extreme bleeding, or difficulty breathing, don’t hesitate. Call 911 or travel to your closest emergency room.
What Should You Do Until You Can Reach the Dentist?
Exploring how to respond when things are calm can make responding effectively in an emergency easier. Here are the steps you should take until you can reach the dentist if you find yourself dealing with common dental emergencies:
- Dislodged teeth: A tooth loosened but remains in its socket can likely be saved promptly. Call the dentist immediately. Avoid disrupting the tooth more. Use cold packs and over-the-counter medications for pain and swelling.
- Avulsed teeth: A tooth that’s been avulsed, or completely knocked out, may be saved if it’s restored to its socket within the hour and given proper treatment. Seeing a dentist immediately is vital, so call for an appointment. Avoid touching the tooth’s roots. Instead, handle it by the crown as you gently rinse it with warm water. Then, return it to its socket, tuck it in the cheek, or place it in a container of milk, water, or saliva.
- Broken or cracked teeth: Call the dentist. Treatment will depend on the nature of the break. If a section of the tooth has broken off, rinse it with warm water. Then, bring it to the dentist.
- Lost crowns: Crowns are restorative. When they go missing, damage can occur. There can also be shifts in nearby teeth that change your bite. If you still have your crown, keep it handy. Call the dentist immediately. Use clove oil or OTC medications for pain. If you cannot see your dentist quickly, obtain dental cement from a pharmacy. This cement can be used to hold your crown in place temporarily. If the crown is lost, you can use a thin layer of cement to create a temporary barrier over the damaged tooth until you see your dentist.
Quality Emergency Dental Care is Available
At Wekiva Dental, our services include emergency dental care. If you need urgent dental care, don’t hesitate to call our office. We’ll contact you to discuss your issue and provide you with the help you need. Your dental health is our top priority at Wekiva Dental, so call us with any questions or concerns.