By definition, emergencies require immediate attention. If you find yourself in the middle of a dental crisis, you’ll know that you need care but may not be sure where to get it. While it’s best to have teeth-related crises addressed by an emergency dentist, there are times when you may need to go to the emergency room before the dental office opens on the next business day. Here’s a brief guide to getting the care you need for a dental emergency.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies include injuries or infections to the teeth, gums, or other soft tissues in the mouth that require immediate care to avoid severe consequences. These include:
- A dislodged tooth: A tooth that has been knocked out can often be reimplanted into the gums, but it must receive dental attention quickly. Never touch a dislodged tooth by the root, clean it by gently swishing it in lukewarm water, and transport it by placing it back in its socket or holding it within the lip or in a container with saliva or milk.
- Cracked teeth: Cracks in teeth can worsen over time, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
- Severe toothache: A throbbing and miserable toothache is often a sign of advanced tooth decay.
- Oral infections: Swellings or abscesses in the gums or other soft tissues are often the result of infections.
When Should I See an Emergency Dentist?
If you are having a dental emergency, the first thing to do is to call your emergency dentist to explain the situation and let them know that you are coming. They will pencil you in for an appointment in the immediate future and provide you with instructions for handling the issue until then. If you reach the office after hours, leave a detailed message including your name, phone number, and a description of the situation. The staff will call you back when the office opens. However, it’s still important to get the attention you immediately need as soon as you can.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
If you’re dealing with an injury like a broken jaw or lacerations around the mouth, it’s best to head to the emergency room. However, the emergency room can also help if you are waiting for your emergency dentist’s office to open the next day. If you have pain or an infection, they can provide you with painkillers and antibiotics to control these symptoms until you can see your dentist. If you have dislodged a tooth, they can treat it so that it can remain in savable condition for up to twenty-four hours.
While you cannot anticipate a dental emergency, you can prepare for it. By knowing how to get the care you need when you need it, you can bring your crisis to its best possible conclusion.
About the Author
Dr. Suzanne Land earned her dental degree at the Temple University School of Dentistry and has completed extensive training on subjects like full mouth reconstruction, aesthetic reconstruction, and more. She takes special care to stay up to date on the latest technology, techniques, and methods used in the dental field. Her office in Moorestown, NJ offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are having a dental emergency, dial (856) 235-0449. For general inquiries, contact the office online.