Featured Image Caption: Dentist Checking on a Patient’s Teeth
Jump to read...
The dental emergency can strike at any time, turning a seemingly normal day into a stressful one. Whether it’s that painful toothache, that knocked-out tooth, or a broken crown, the knowledge of what to do during such situations can be so much different. Acting quickly and calmly can save the tooth, reduce the pain, and prevent any further complications from arising. If you are unsure about how to manage the dental crisis, here are five essential steps to be observed during the crisis.
Assess the Situation and Stay Calm
The first step to taking any emergency is to take deep breaths and gauge what’s really going on. Panic might cloud your judgment even more, so try to stay as calm as humanly possible. How bad is it? Are you bleeding? Is a tooth loose, chipped, or completely knocked out? Is the pain you can feel manageable, or is it painful?
Once you grasp what is happening, determine whether it’s an emergency or not. For instance, a minor toothache may probably have to wait for a scheduled appointment, while more severe problems such as uncontrolled bleeding, excruciating pain, or a dislodged tooth are best seen by an emergency dentist right away. Keeping your wits about you will better allow you to articulate the situation to your dentist and move accordingly.
Find An Emergency Dentist ASAP
When a patient calls up with a dental emergency, time might be one’s greatest asset. Seek an emergency dental care clinic that operates outside regular business hours. All someone has to do is search “emergency dental near me” to bring up information on a close professional who can attend to the situation right away.
Most dental offices have an emergency line or will allow you to come in on the same day if you need attention due to a sudden occurrence. Be prepared to describe your concern over the phone, including your symptoms and how the problem happened. This will get you the help you may need from the dental team much sooner.
Handle the Affected Area with Care
While waiting for professional help, it’s important to protect the injured area from further exacerbation. For a knocked-out tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root) and gently rinse it in water—do not scrub. If possible, put the tooth back into its socket and hold it in position, or keep it in milk to keep it moist.
For a cracked or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid eating or drinking anything that could irritate the area further. Taking these precautions can prevent additional damage and improve the chances of successful treatment.
Manage Pain and Swelling
Dental emergencies usually come with pain and discomfort, so managing these symptoms is critical while you wait for treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, help reduce inflammation and ease pain. Be sure to avoid aspirin since it tends to thin out your blood, which could worsen bleeding.
Applying ice to the outside of your mouth near the area is advisable since it can minimize swelling and numb some of the pain. Be careful not to apply ice directly to the skin; instead, use a cloth or towel over it. You can also minimize discomfort by drinking liquids and avoiding strong foods until you meet the dentist.
Follow-Up With Proper Care
After emergency treatment at a dentist’s office, after-care instructions from your dentist are very important to ensure complete recovery. This may include taking prescribed drugs, avoiding certain foodstuffs, or attending follow-up appointments.
Use the experience as an opportunity to assess your dental health habits. Regular check-ups and proper oral hygiene can help prevent future emergencies. If you don’t already have a trusted dentist, consider finding one for routine care to keep your teeth healthy and reduce the likelihood of another unexpected issue.
Conclusion
Being panicky is stressful, especially in relation to dental emergencies. However, the knowledge of the right steps will make the seemingly frightening situation more manageable. Every action you take plays a role in protecting your oral health. Acting quickly and following professional advice can save you from long-term complications and unnecessary pain. Preparation is key–knowing what to do about emergencies and keeping good dental hygiene helps you avoid them to start with. In this manner, by being proactive and knowledgeable, you and your family will be prepared for the next dental emergency with minimal stress.
By Hannah Boothe
– is a freelance writer native to Northern California who spends her free time developing herself. Hannah enjoys the outdoors, she goes hiking whenever the weather permits and enjoys practicing yoga. She carves out time to journal and read whenever she can. She loves adventure and connecting with those around her.
Member since August, 2022
View all the articles of Hannah Boothe.
Leave a Reply