Dental emergencies can happen to anyone. From a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth to a dental infection or even a tooth falling out, time is of the essence in a dental emergency. If you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. Of course, if you have a medical emergency, call 911 and visit a medical professional as soon as possible.
However, the order of operations can be confusing for dental emergencies. After all, while there are plenty of emergency rooms and urgent care clinics for healthcare concerns, there are fewer emergency dental offices. Remember, it is always a good idea to keep a list of emergency dentists nearby in case of an emergency. Here, we discuss common dental emergencies and when to visit a dentist.
When to Visit a Dentist
If you experience mouth pain, tooth sensitivity, changes in your teeth, swelling, bad breath, or a bad taste that won’t go away, it’s time to visit your dentist. Any unexpected dental changes are an excellent reason to call your dental office. If you have swollen gums, bleeding when you floss, or any other dental concerns, your dentist will be able to help.
In most cases, many dental concerns can wait a week or two unless you have a dental emergency. However, if your condition worsens or you have new symptoms at any point, call your dentist to see if they’d like to see you sooner.
With most dental problems, the sooner you receive treatment, the more likely you will avoid further complications. After all, treating a cavity is much easier than performing a root canal, and regular dental visits can help stave off more significant dental problems.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency
If you’ve experienced dental trauma, such as a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, or have had a tooth fall out unexpectedly, you should call your dentist immediately, as this is a dental emergency.
Dental emergencies can span many issues, from broken teeth to tooth infections to objects stuck in your teeth. Remember, it’s always a good idea to leave dental care to the professionals, so avoid trying to dislodge objects stuck in your teeth beyond using dental floss or a toothbrush. If you’re on the fence about a dental issue being an emergency, call your dental team regardless, as they can offer advice and let you know if it’s a good idea to schedule a visit.
If your tooth is knocked out, wrap the tooth in wet gauze and contact your dentist immediately. Wash your mouth with warm salt water, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. The sooner you get emergency dental care for a knocked-out adult tooth, the more likely your dentist can save the tooth, so don’t delay.
Emergency Dentist Miami
If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Miami, Artistic Smiles is here to help. We offer urgent dental care in the Miami area, so call (305) 271-3333 to find out more or request an appointment online.
Source(s):
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies