Life is full of surprises, and one unexpected event you might find yourself faced with is a dental emergency. However, the last thing you should do in these situations is panic—help is available from a trusted emergency dentist. Continue reading for a few must-know tips that’ll help you find an emergency dentist when you need one as soon as possible; by doing so, you can ensure that your smile isn’t in danger for very long!
Your First Steps After Suffering a Dental Injury
If you have a dental emergency, the very first thing you should do is contact your regular dentist. Note that emergency rooms do not usually have the staff or equipment needed to handle most dental emergencies, and the most they can often do is provide means for pain relief. A trained dental professional will always be the best option for addressing dental emergencies, period.
In many cases, dental emergencies are not life-threatening and can wait until regular business hours to be treated. In fact, many dentists have time regularly padded into their daily schedules for handling dental emergencies! However, some offices remain open after hours or have phone lines available 24/7 for patients with urgent needs.
After you’ve called your dentist or found one to speak with, they’ll let you know when you should come in. For issues like knocked-out teeth, you’ll want to come in as soon as possible – however, other issues that might seem milder, like chipped teeth or severe dental pain, can be just as serious in some instances. Don’t leave it up to your best judgment; your dentist will tell you how to proceed.
Useful Tips for Temporary Relief
In any case, as you prepare to attend your emergency dental visit, you could find yourself dealing with discomfort in the meantime. Here are some home remedies that can usually provide some level of relief as you await professional care:
- For throbbing tooth pain, you can take pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as instructed for temporary relief.
- A saltwater rinse can often help to reduce dental swelling or dislodge any debris that might be causing discomfort.
- Cold compresses applied to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth can also numb the area and reduce swelling.
- If you’ve lost a tooth, bring it with you to your emergency appointment—teeth that are replaced within an hour of falling out have the best chance of being successfully salvaged.
- Avoid eating any potentially irritating foods; hot or spicy items might increase your discomfort. If you must eat, stick with soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that’s hurting.
Remember, dental emergencies do not simply go away on their own; however, that doesn’t mean you must needlessly endure your pain for a second longer than you have to! By contacting an emergency dentist quickly, you’re on the fast track to pain relief and a problem-free smile.
About the Practice
The team here at Shroff Dental Arts has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Centennial community, offering a wide range of services including same-day emergency care for those with urgent needs. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (303) 632-3622.