Top 10 Most FAQs About Emergency Dentistry

You may be enjoying your workout or walking home after work when suddenly you fall and break or knock out your tooth. When dental emergencies or injuries occur, the first step should always be to call your dentist or visit an emergency clinic near you.

The sooner you can get dental care, the sooner you’ll receive relief from your discomfort and the better the chances of addressing the underlying issue and preventing further damage. Having an emergency dentist will ensure you receive reliable and prompt dental care during dental emergencies.

10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

Since there’s no time to prepare for dental emergencies, you might be confused about many things. Below are answers to the ten most frequently asked questions about dental emergencies that you should know.

1. What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental or oral issue characterized by sudden and severe symptoms like pain, bleeding, swelling, and fever. You require immediate dental care to address the underlying problem and alleviate your symptoms.

2. What should I do while waiting for professional help?

Depending on your symptoms, you can take pain medication or apply an ice pack on the face to minimize pain and swelling. If your tooth is broken or knocked out, preserve the pieces or tooth in a glass of clear water or milk. If you’ve severe bleeding after a tooth extraction, bite in gauze to aid clot formation and control bleeding.

3. What do I do if I have a chipped or broken tooth?

If you’ve accidentally broken or chipped your tooth, you must seek emergency dental care, even if you’re not experiencing any discomfort yet. If the tooth’s nerves are exposed, you might experience pain or temperature sensitivity when biting down.

Similarly, these damages can expose the inner parts of the tooth, like the nerves and blood vessels, to harmful bacteria, leading to decay. The dentist must promptly evaluate the serious damage and address it to prevent further damage.

4. What can I do if I have something stuck between my teeth?

If you have a piece of food, bone, or toothpick caught between your teeth, you can try to remove it gently using dental floss. Avoid using anything sharp as it can cause more damage. Contact your emergency dentist immediately if the dental floss doesn’t work, and you’re experiencing severe discomfort.

5. What do I do if I have a toothache?

You don’t need emergency treatment if you only have a mild toothache. You can wait until after work or until the dental office opens to seek treatment. However, call your emergency dentist immediately if you have a severe throbbing pain that persists or worsens even after taking pain medication.

6. I have a knocked out my tooth. What should I do?

Tooth knock-outs are common during high-impact accidents. It would be best if you visit your emergency dentist immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of restoring the tooth to the socket. If you can’t do it, preserve the tooth in a glass of milk or water.

7. What happens if I lose or damage a filling or crown?

Damaged or lost restorations can cause discomfort and expose you to bacterial infection and tooth fractures. You might not need emergency treatment if severe symptoms don’t accompany the incidence. Still, you should seek treatment within a few hours.

8. I have a jaw fracture. What should I do?

Injuries to the jaw, neck, or head often require immediate medical attention. These injuries can be severe and life-threatening. The sooner you seek treatment, the best the chances of reversing the damage and restoring your health.

9. I have anxiety with dental issues. What do I do?

If you have dental phobia or fear, you shouldn’t fear seeking emergency dental care. Several sedation dentistry options keep you relaxed and painless and help you receive dental care better.

10. Can I drive to an ER for emergency care?

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, you should contact your emergency dentist or call for urgent dental care near you. If that’s not possible, ask someone to drive you to the nearby emergency clinic.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need emergency dentistry in South Hadley, MA? Contact South Hadley Dental Group to speak with our emergency dentist near you.