Important Advice to Use for a Dental Emergency
July 11, 2019
What should you do if your teeth or gums have been damaged in an emergency situation? A variety of circumstances can cause harm to your smile. Often, emergencies happen when someone is injured due to trauma or blunt-force impact, but there are also times when emergency dental services might be necessary because of an infection or a toothache.
When you are experiencing pain, it might be hard to think clearly so that you can determine the right action plan. It is important that you learn more about dental emergencies now so that you have the information required when you need it the most.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Call an Emergency Dentist
For a general medical emergency, such as a car accident, it is common to visit the hospital before talking to a dentist. The injuries will be treated by priority, which means that dental treatments might need to wait until other injuries are addressed. With serious injuries, you should always call 911 first.
But, if the accident affected only the mouth, then it might be best to talk to an emergency dentist directly. For example, if a tooth was knocked out during a basketball game, then it is essential that you call your dentist as soon as possible. This phone call will give you a chance to schedule an emergency dental appointment, and the dentist will help you determine the right treatment options.
Never wait to contact your dentist! If you suspect that your teeth or gums have been damaged, then it is unwise to wait for treatment. Time is a factor that will impact the long-term results of your dental treatments.
Signs You Need an Emergency Dental Appointment
Here are a few signs that it is time to call an emergency dentist:
- Severe pain in your mouth
- An impact that knocked out or loosened a tooth
- Gums are damaged and bleeding
- Injury to the face
- Crack or visible damage to the tooth
When you call, we will discuss the situation over the phone to determine how critical the situation is. Then, our team can offer recommendations for immediate action steps before your emergency appointment. For example, if the tooth has been knocked out of your mouth, we always recommend that you pick up the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. This tooth can be stored in a small glass of milk to transport to our office.
Our team is always here to answer your questions. If you would like to learn more about dental treatments, then we invite you to schedule an appointment at Simply Teeth.