When to Call Your Local Emergency Dentist A Guide to Dental Emergencies

1. When to Call Your Local Emergency Dentist: A Guide to Dental Emergencies Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and it's important to know when to call your local emergency dentist. While some dental issues can wait until normal business hours, others require immediate attention to prevent further damage or infection. In this article, we'll provide a guide to dental emergencies and help you determine when it's necessary to call your local emergency dentist. What Constitutes a Dental Emergency? A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention from a dentist. Some common dental emergencies include: ● Severe toothache ● Knocked-out tooth ● Chipped or broken tooth ● Loose or lost filling or crown ● Abscess or infection in the mouth ● Broken or dislocated jaw ● Bleeding or swelling in the mouth If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your local emergency dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe problems and even the loss of teeth. When to Call Your Local Emergency Dentist Not all dental issues require immediate attention. Some problems can wait until normal business hours, while others require immediate attention to prevent further damage or infection. Here are some guidelines for determining when to call your local emergency dentist: Severe Toothache 1/3

2. If you experience a severe toothache that lasts for more than a few hours or is accompanied by swelling or fever, it's important to contact your local emergency dentist. This could be a sign of an abscess or infection in the mouth, which requires immediate attention. Knocked-out Tooth If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, it's important to contact your local emergency dentist immediately. The tooth may be able to be saved if you can get to the dentist within 30 minutes. In the meantime, rinse the tooth with water and try to place it back in the socket. If that's not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva until you can see the dentist. Chipped or Broken Tooth If you chip or break a tooth, it's important to contact your local emergency dentist as soon as possible. Even if the damage doesn't seem severe, it's important to have it checked out to prevent further damage or infection. If you have the broken piece of tooth, bring it with you to the dentist. Lost Filling or Crown If you lose a filling or crown, it's important to contact your local emergency dentist. Without the filling or crown, the tooth is vulnerable to further damage or infection. In the meantime, try to cover the tooth with dental cement or sugarless gum until you can see the dentist. Abscess or Infection in the Mouth If you have an abscess or infection in the mouth, it's important to contact your local emergency dentist immediately. This could lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Symptoms of an abscess or infection include severe pain, swelling, fever, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Broken or Dislocated Jaw If you have a broken or dislocated jaw, it's important to contact your local emergency dentist immediately. This is a serious condition that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage or infection. Bleeding or Swelling in the Mouth If you experience bleeding or swelling in the mouth, it's important to contact your local emergency dentist. This could be a sign of an infection or other serious dental problem. In general, if you're experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or swelling in the mouth, it's important to contact your local emergency dentist as soon as possible. Even if you're not sure whether your situation constitutes a dental emergency, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Preparing for a Dental Emergency While you can't always prevent dental emergencies, there are steps you can take to prepare for them. Here are some tips for preparing for a dental emergency: ● Keep your local emergency dentist's phone number saved in your phone and easily accessible. 2/3

3. ● Have a dental first aid kit on hand with items such as dental cement, cotton balls, and gauze. ● Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night to prevent dental injuries. ● Practise good oral hygiene to prevent infections and tooth decay. ● Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice or popcorn kernels, which can chip or break your teeth. Conclusion Dental emergencies can be scary, but knowing when to call your local emergency dentist can help you get the treatment you need quickly and effectively. Remember that not all dental issues require immediate attention, but severe pain, bleeding, or swelling in the mouth are signs that you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. By preparing for dental emergencies and taking steps to prevent them, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong. 3/3