Sometimes we may experience trauma or some sort of emergency to our mouths that we may think would warrant an emergency dental visit. While it is true that some injuries need you to see a dentist right away to prevent further risk of infection, there are also some cases where an emergency dental visit is not necessary.
When Do I Need an Emergency Dental Visit?
The truth is, most of the time, you do not need an emergency dental visit unless your teeth have been dislodged or knocked out. Even a fractured or cracked tooth does not necessarily need an emergency visit to the dentist.
However, if in case the dental emergency comes with symptoms of infections like fever, swelling, or severe pain, then it is time for you to pay a visit to your dentist.
What Should I Do before I Go to a Dentist for an Emergency?
Now, you are sure that you need to go to the dentist for an emergency visit. But before you just go and head there, there are a few things you need to do first to try and alleviate the emergency that you are experiencing.
1. Assess the Situation
First, check the damage in the situation. Try to see how bad it is and see if there are any dislodged or missing teeth. Identify any source of bleeding, if any, then cover it up with gauze or a cotton ball. It is important that you stop the bleeding immediately.
2. Locate and Store Your Tooth
If there is a missing or broken part of your tooth, try to locate it. Once located, wash it with water and keep it for safety. If the whole tooth comes out, you can try to put it back in its original place. However, if only part of the tooth broke off, do not attempt to do this. You can store the tooth either in the cheek area next to where its socket is or in some milk before heading to the dentist.
3. Contact Your Dentist
Make sure to get in touch with your dentist first before running to the clinic. This is especially important if the emergency happens during non-clinical hours. In case you cannot contact your dentist, it is best to find an alternative dentist who can help you out with your issue. Just make sure to also inform your regular dentist once you are able to get a hold of them.
If you are unable to contact any other dentist, seek emergency care. Whether it be at a different private clinic or a medical facility near you, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure to find urgent care before further damage occurs to your injury.
4. Do a Follow-Up
Once you are done with your emergency dental visit, you should have a follow-up appointment. Your dentist should be able to provide you with this or if they are unable to, make arrangements for it. Be sure to be there at your follow-up to ensure that your teeth are fully healing.
Conclusion
You should know that there are times when you do not need to worry about an emergency dental visit. However, if you are experiencing severe pain, fever, and inflammation, it is best to check it out immediately. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Do you need a dentist in Chelmsford, MA? If yes, you can visit Chelmsford Dental Specialists Group. We are committed to helping patients get the treatment they need. Book an appointment with us today.
