Tooth and Nail: What to Do and Where to Go for a Dental Emergency

Did you know that there are more than 2 million visits to the emergency room every year for dental pain? Unfortunately, hospitals do not have dentists on staff and you more than likely will end up leaving with pain killers or antibiotics to bandage the problem. If you are wondering where to go for a dental emergency, you are in the right place.

Keep reading to learn where to go and what to do when it comes to dental emergencies

When to See the Dentist?

If you break a tooth or crack a tooth you want to go see the dentist as soon as possible. Unless you are bleeding non-stop then you want to be seen at the emergency room to get the bleeding under control.

If your dental emergency happens when the dentist office is closed, double-check if your dentist offers after-hours emergency care or an on-call substitute recommendation.

You can also look for an emergency dentist when you are searching for a primary dental provider. This will give you peace of mind that you are covered in case something were to happen.

When to Go to the Hospital?

There are dental emergencies where you will want to go to the hospital because they can be very serious or even life-threatening. If you have a jaw fracture, a jaw dislocation, a laceration to the mouth or the face, an infection that is affecting your breathing, or a serious cut then go to the hospital.

During any of the situations above you do not want to wait for the dentist’s office to open back up to take care of a tooth that was hit. These situations will require more than just dental work.

Tips

There are some common dental emergencies where you can help ease the situation at hand. If you have an adult tooth that is knocked out, keep the tooth moist at all times in something like milk. You can also try to place the tooth back in its socket, just make sure to not touch the root.

If you are dealing with toothaches clean out your mouth by rinsing your it with warm water. You can also use dental floss to get rid of any food that might be caught in between your teeth. Never try removing food with any pointed instruments or sharp objects because you can cause further damage.

If you crack a tooth rinse your mouth with warm water immediately to clean the area. If you want to keep the swelling down apply cold compresses on your face.

Now You Know Where to Go for a Dental Emergency?

Hopefully, we have cleared up where to go for a dental emergency and you can find relief next time you find yourself in an unexpected dental situation. To avoid accidents or teeth injuries always wear a mouthguard when you are playing sports. Try to avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels, and always use scissors when cutting things, not your teeth.

Did you learn something new today? Please come back soon to never miss our latest posts!