Dental emergencies can occur at any time, causing pain, discomfort, or anxiety. These situations require immediate treatment, whether it's an urgent toothache or a broken teeth hours before a meeting. An emergency dentist provides immediate care in order to relieve pain, prevent further damage and provide definitive dental solutions.
What is the role of an emergency dentist?
An emergency dentist specializes in addressing urgent dental situations. Unlike regular dentists who operate on appointments during regular office hours, emergency dentists offer services outside typical working hours, including late evenings, weekends, and holidays. They prioritize cases based on severity and provide immediate treatment to relieve pain and discomfort.
Emergency dentistry covers a broad spectrum of dental issues. Dental emergencies include broken, chipped or knocked out teeth, severe toothaches and lost dental crowns or fillings, abscesses and oral infections, as well as injuries to soft tissue such the lips, cheeks and gums.
Why do you need an emergency dentist?
Time is of the essence when it comes to dental emergencies. Immediate attention can prevent complications, limit damage, and, in some cases, even save a teeth.
With a knocked-out tooth, for instance, immediate intervention can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth. If you seek assistance within 30-60 minutes, the dentist may be able replant your tooth.
Severe toothaches indicate a hidden issue, often an infection or abscess. Ignoring the pain can lead to an infection that worsens, posing more serious health risks including sepsis. An emergency dentist can provide immediate relief, determine the cause, and develop treatment plans.
How to handle a dental emergency
You can manage the situation until you can get to an emergency dentist. Rinse the tooth gently, without touching the roots, and place it back into the socket. If this is not possible, place it in a small glass container with milk. This helps maintain the right balance of cell growth factor necessary for reimplantation.
For cases of extreme toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food. Pain relievers over-the-counter can help ease pain, but should not be used near the aching teeth as they may burn the gum tissue.
Find an emergency dentist
It is important to have the contact information of an emergency dental clinic on hand. This will save you time when you need help. Ask your regular dentist whether they offer emergency services. If not, request Dental Group of Beverly Hills them for recommendations. Online search engines and local directories are also excellent resources. Check for dentists who have good reviews, and see if your dental plan is accepted.
Remember, dental emergencies are often unpredictable. Regular dental checkups are essential to avoid potential problems. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing frequently, avoiding foods that can break or crack teeth, and wearing mouthguards while playing sports, can help prevent many dental emergencies.
An emergency dentist is a vital part of the health care system, as they provide immediate relief for painful, unplanned situations. They are the first line in preventing damage from dental emergencies and protecting the oral health of individuals.