What is a true dental emergency?
Have you ever experienced a sudden tooth pain that made you cancel your dinner plans? Or maybe you knocked a tooth out while biting into something hard? While dental emergencies can happen at any time, they can be painful and overwhelming. Some dental issues can wait until regular business hours, but others require immediate attention from an emergency dentist. Before we understand how to handle dental emergencies, where to go for dental emergency care, and what to do if you have a dental emergency at night, it is important to know what is a true dental emergency?.
What constitutes a true dental emergency?
A true dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate attention from an emergency dentist to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth.
Examples of dental emergencies include:
- Severe tooth pain
- A knocked-out tooth
- A loose tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A tooth abscess
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Bleeding around the teeth and gums
- A broken dental appliance, such as braces or dentures
How to identify a true dental emergency?
Ask yourself the following questions if you are unsure whether your situation is a dental emergency or if it can wait until your next dental appointment...
- Do I have severe tooth pain that doesn't go away?
- Is there bleeding around a tooth or from my gums?
- Have I knocked out a tooth?
- Is my tooth loose, or has it been pushed out of position?
- Is there severe swelling or pain in the jaw?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is likely that you are experiencing a dental emergency and should seek immediate care.
How to handle dental emergencies?
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the first step is to stay calm and assess the situation. If you have a knocked-out tooth, try to save it by placing it back in the socket or storing it in milk until you reach the emergency dentist. In case of severe tooth pain, apply a cold compress on the affected area or take some over-the-counter pain relievers.
It is important to reach out to an emergency dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. If you are traveling or are unable to reach your regular dentist, search for an emergency dentist near you who can provide the care you need.
Where to go for a dental emergency?
During an emergency situation, it is important to seek care as soon as possible to prevent further damage or complications. Depending on the time of the day and day of the week, you may consider the following options for immediate care:
- Emergency dental clinics: Many cities have emergency dental clinics that are open outside of regular business hours. These clinics are staffed with dentists who can provide immediate care for all dental emergencies. It is always prudent to keep the contact information for a 24-hour dental emergency clinic handy, either saved on your phone or written down in a prominent place that’s easily accessible.
- Hospital emergency rooms (ER): If your dental emergency is accompanied by severe pain, bleeding, or swelling, you may need to go to the hospital ER. The medical staff can provide pain relievers and stabilize your condition until a dentist can provide further treatment.
- Your regular dentist: If your regular dental office has an emergency phone line or after-hours service, they may be able to provide immediate care or refer you to another dental professional who can.
If you have a dental emergency at night, the first step is to contact an emergency dental clinic near you or visit a hospital emergency room.
As you can see It is important to know what is a true dental emergency, because not all issues require immediate dental care, and knowing the difference between a true dental emergency and a dental issue that can wait until regular hours, can help you make good decisions.
Emergency dentist in Anaheim Hills
Rana Dentistry has experienced dental care providers who are available 24X7 at our emergency dental clinic in Anaheim Hills, CA. Call our office to get complete assistance and treatment required for all kinds of dental emergencies, at any hour of the day or night.