Emergency dentistry is something that we all hope never to have to use, but it's important to know what it is and how to find help if we need it.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about emergency dentistry. We'll cover what it is, who you should call for help, and what you can do to make the experience as smooth as possible.
If you are experiencing any of the issues in this article, then it is time to seek out emergency dental services such as emergency dentist London Ontario as soon as possible.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Unlike typical dentist appointments and hours, emergency dental care can be needed at any time, so dentists will always need to provide services outside of typical business hours.
Emergency dental care is when you have an unexpected dental issue that requires immediate attention from your dentist or another professional to prevent further damage or pain.
Remember to seek emergency dental services if the situation cannot wait until regular business hours. For example, suppose you are experiencing tooth pain, and it's not severe enough to keep you up all night but still hurts during regular waking hours.
In this case, the problem probably doesn’t warrant seeking help right away (unless something happens like cracking/breaking).
What Counts As A Dental Emergency?
There are a few dental problems that always require immediate care, no matter what. Some of these dental emergencies include:
Toothache
A toothache is one of the most common dental problems and can be caused by a number of things, such as cavities, infection, or a broken tooth.
Toothaches that last for more than a day or are accompanied by fever, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth wide should be evaluated by a dental professional.
Chipped, Broken, or Loose Tooth
If you have a chipped, broken, or loose tooth, it's important not to delay dental care because these situations often require quick action.
If left untreated over time, these issues can become worse and lead to more severe problems down the road, such as infections.
In these cases, you may need antibiotics prescribed by an emergency dentist (which is why some people choose dental implants).
It’s best if you get treated immediately instead, so make sure to call for help ASAP when experiencing any symptoms related to our teeth being damaged, like sensitivity/pain from hot drinks, food, and the like.
Dental Abscess
An abscess is an infection that occurs in the dental pulp. It is often accompanied by throbbing pain, swelling, and redness in the area around the tooth.
If you feel an abscess in your mouth, act quickly. Dental infections can spread from the tooth to other parts of your body and cause serious health problems.
In these cases, you might need a root canal or an extraction performed by dental professionals who specialize in emergencies such as these (if it’s severe enough).
Abscesses are usually treated with antibiotics before any procedures are done, though, so make sure that one of those gets prescribed to you.
Remember that the most important thing when experiencing this type of dental problem is not letting go until all symptoms have subsided completely, even if it takes several weeks.
This is because once abscesses have subsided, they may still return. This practically means that you'll need to go through more medication again, bringing you back to square one.
Knocked-Out Teeth
If you knock out a tooth, it's important to try to find it and put it back in place as soon as possible. If that's not possible, then you can keep it alive by soaking it in milk or saliva until dental care arrives and they're able to put your tooth back where it belongs again!
Lost Crowns Or Fillings
If you lose a dental crown or filling, this is considered an emergency dental situation and should be treated immediately.
The most important thing when experiencing loss of fillings/crowns is finding them quickly (in case something happens like swallowing).
This is so that no further damage occurs from biting on something hard. It’s also critical to stay calm during emergencies since panic attacks tend to make things worse.
Lost Tooth/Implants
If you lose a tooth (or dental implant), it's imperative to find the missing tooth and consult with dental professionals as soon as possible.
A dental implant is usually treated with antibiotics before any procedures are done though so make sure that one of those gets prescribed too.
Loose Dentures/Braces
If your dental emergency involves loose dentures or braces, then you should see an emergency dentist right away.
Emergency dental treatment may include removing the appliances and performing a thorough dental examination to check for any damage caused by prolonged wear on teeth such as cavities, chipping, and the like.
If there's no damage found, but there's pain when biting down on crunchy, hard, or sticky food items, you should go for a follow-up appointment 48 hours after the initial visit (or sooner if needed).
What To Do in a Dental Emergency
Now that you know what emergencies to watch out for and what to do when they occur, it's important to have a plan in place for how you will get the help you need.
In most cases, dental emergencies happen outside of regular dentist hours, so here are some tips on who to call for help:
1. Call your regular dentist if the problem is not severe enough to seek emergency care. However, many dentists, such as those from dentist London Ontario, offer 24/hour services.
2. If your regular dentist is unavailable or does not offer emergency services, then call an emergency dental clinic or hospital.
These professionals are equipped to handle dental emergencies and can provide you with the necessary care.
3. If you are unable to get to a dental professional right away, then try rinsing your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to dislodge any objects that might be stuck in your teeth.
You can also use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain until you are able to see a dentist.
4. Remember, it is always best to seek emergency dental services if the problem cannot wait until regular business hours. Dental emergencies can often worsen over time, so don't hesitate to get help!
Who Should I Call For An Emergency Appointment?
When dental emergencies happen, it is crucial to know where the closest dentist office or emergency dental clinic is located near you so that treatment can begin right away.
If your regular dental professional does not offer any type of after-hours care, then look into finding one nearby who does provide such services before suffering through an extended period without proper dental care.
Keep in mind that other dental emergencies are not included on the list above, so if something happens and you're not sure whether or not it's an emergency, don't hesitate to give your dentist a call.
Final Thoughts
Dental emergencies can be scary and overwhelming, but knowing what to do and who to call can help minimize the stress involved. Make sure to keep this information handy so you're prepared in case of an emergency.