Whether you got hit in the mouth while playing sports or damaged one of your teeth while eating something hard, encountering a dental emergency is never any fun. Though it may be difficult to know what to do at the moment, visiting an emergency dentist as soon as possible is key to getting the situation under control. But how do you find an emergency dentist spur of the moment? So you know what to do if you ever end up in this situation, read on to learn what qualifies as a dental emergency, how to find a dentist as soon as possible, and some tips to lessen discomfort until you can receive treatment.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are generally considered to be sudden, traumatic, or painful oral health-related incidents that require immediate treatment. If the injury has led to any potentially life-threatening complications, such as uncontrollable bleeding or trouble breathing, call 911 immediately or go straight to the nearest emergency room. In all other cases where your teeth or gums have been damaged, seek treatment from your dentist right away. A few common examples of dental emergencies include:
- Broken or fractured tooth
- Lost dental crowns
- Knocked-out teeth
- Severe toothaches
- Chipped veneers
How to Find an Emergency Dentist ASAP
The first thing you should do when a dental emergency arises is to contact your dentist. Since they will already be familiar with your dental history and have all your information on file, such as your insurance provider and medications that you’re allergic to, they will likely be the best person to treat you. If your accident arises before or after hours, your dentist’s voicemail should provide instructions on what to do in the event of a dental emergency. If they don’t or you need prompt treatment, you can type “emergency dentist near me” into a search engine and start reaching out to practices that can fit you in for a same-day appointment.
3 At-Home Remedies That Can Help
If your dental emergency has resulted in swelling, discomfort, or pain, there are a few home remedies that can help until your dentist can see you, including:
- Rinse – Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gently rinse with this mixture. This creates a natural pain reliever that will help prevent infection.
- Ice it – Place an ice pack or a cold compress on the affected area to reduce swelling and numb any pain you’re experiencing.
- Take pain medicine – Over-the-counter medications can be taken to help alleviate pain.
If you sustain a dental injury, try to keep calm and get in touch with an emergency dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to help you schedule a same-day visit so that you can get back to enjoying a pain-free smile in no time!
About the Practice
Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill offers a range of exceptional oral health services to help you maintain a gorgeous grin. If you encounter a dental emergency and require prompt treatment, they will get you into the office as soon as possible to alleviate your symptoms and get your oral health back on track. For more information on how they can help you handle an emergency or to schedule an appointment with Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill, visit their website or call their office at (860) 563-3766.