If you’re frantically searching for an emergency dentist near me, there are some things you should know first. A dental emergency is never a fun prospect, but it happens from time to time and you want to be sure you see the right person for the job so that treatment is successful. In addition to many other benefits, this can preserve the health and appearance of your smile. So, if you think you’re in need of emergency dental treatment, use this guide to help you find the right dentist.
Understand Dental Emergencies
The first thing to do if you think you need to call an emergency dentist is to know what constitutes a dental emergency. Common dental emergencies include a cracked or broken tooth or even a tooth that is knocked out. Sometimes a tooth abscess is considered a dental emergency as well. This is an infection with symptoms that include swelling pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing and sepsis. Some soft tissue injuries, such as a bitten or injured tongue or lip might also be an emergency. If you can’t get the bleeding to stop, you should call an emergency dentist.
Call Your Dentist
If you already have a dentist, your first step should be to give them a call. Many dental practices have an on-call dentist who can assist you in an emergency. You will need to describe your symptoms and tell them what’s going on. The dentist will then determine if you need to be seen immediately or if there’s something you can do as treatment until the office opens up again or there’s an opening in the schedule.
What Not to Do
If you suspect you’re having a dental emergency, don’t try to remedy the problem on your own. Also, don’t just take some painkillers and ignore the problem. You should also avoid going to the emergency room, as most of them aren’t equipped to treat dental problems and will likely only tell you to call your dentist. If it’s a true dental emergency, you need to speak to your dentist right away so don’t be afraid to call, even if it’s the middle of the night.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Accidents and infections happen, but there are some things you can do to avoid having to find an emergency dentist. The first is practicing good oral hygiene. That means brushing and flossing every day as well as seeing your dentist for a checkup and cleaning twice per year. You should also wear a mouthguard if you’re playing any rough sports and refrain from eating hard foods and candy as much as possible. Try not to bite ice, which can also lead to a dental emergency.
If you have a dental emergency, a quick search for an emergency dentist near me isn’t a good idea. Talk to your own dentist first and follow their advice for getting the treatment you need. Letting it go could cause further problems so don’t be afraid to make the call. If you’re in need of an emergency dentist, call Provident Dental Group right away.
