Dental Emergencies Defined
Dental emergencies can occur at any time and without warning. They can range from mild to severe and can greatly impact a person’s oral health. A dental emergency is defined as any dental issue that requires immediate attention from a dentist to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth.
Common Dental Emergencies
There are several common dental emergencies that one might experience. One of the most common is a severe toothache. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as a cracked or broken tooth, gum disease, or an infection. Other common dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, broken or chipped teeth, and severe bleeding.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
If you experience a dental emergency, it’s important to remain calm and seek immediate attention from a dentist. If you’re experiencing severe pain, take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the pain until you can see a dentist. If you have a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to act quickly. Retrieve the tooth and rinse it off with water. Place the tooth back into the socket if possible or store it in milk until you can see a dentist.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies can occur without warning, there are steps you can take to prevent them from happening. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to dental emergencies. Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports can also help prevent dental emergencies such as knocked-out teeth. Additionally, avoiding chewing on hard foods or objects such as ice or popcorn kernels can help prevent dental emergencies such as broken teeth.
Emergency Dental Treatment
When you visit a dentist for a dental emergency, they will assess the situation and determine the appropriate treatment. Treatment may include antibiotics to treat an infection, a root canal to save a tooth, or extraction of a severely damaged tooth. In some cases, emergency dental treatment may be covered by your dental insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see what emergency dental services are covered.
Emergency Dental Care During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, dental offices have implemented additional safety measures to protect both patients and staff. If you experience a dental emergency during this time, contact your dentist to see if they are open and what safety measures they have in place.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies can be scary, but knowing what to do in a dental emergency can help you stay calm and get the care you need. By taking steps to prevent dental emergencies and seeking immediate attention from a dentist when they occur, you can help protect your oral health and prevent further complications.