Dental emergencies can occur at any time, causing pain, discomfort, or anxiety. Whether it's a severe toothache in the middle of the night or a broken tooth hours before an important meeting, these situations call for instant treatment. An emergency dentist is a dental professional who offers immediate care to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and provide definitive dental solutions in these scenarios.
What Does an Emergency Dentist Do?
An emergency dentist specializes in addressing urgent dental situations. Emergency dentists provide services outside of normal office hours. This includes late evenings, weekends and holidays. They prioritize cases based on severity and provide immediate treatment to relieve pain and discomfort.
Emergency dentistry is a broad field that covers a wide range 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?
Dental emergencies are a matter of urgency. Immediate attention prevents complications, limits damage, and in some cases, can even save a tooth.
If you have a knocked out tooth, for example, immediate action can mean the difference between saving the tooth and losing it. The dentist may be able to replant the tooth if you seek help within 30-60 minutes.
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 will provide immediate relief, identify the cause, and develop a treatment plan.
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 that isn't possible, store it in a small container with milk, which helps to maintain the correct balance of cell growth factors 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 Emergency Dentist Beverly Hills, CA 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 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. It's essential to maintain regular dental check-ups to prevent potential issues. 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.