Dental emergencies often occur when we least expect them. From severe toothaches to cracked or knocked-out teeth, these issues require immediate attention and care to alleviate pain, prevent further complications, and preserve your precious smile.
Emergency dentist are specially trained to handle a wide variety of oral injuries and conditions. They can provide quick relief from pain, control bleeding, and prevent infection by draining a dental abscess or administering antibiotics. Emergency dentists can also repair broken or chipped teeth and restore dental fillings. In addition, they can treat severe swollen gums and infections caused by exposed roots or infected tooth pulp.
Emergency Dentist: What to Do When a Dental Crisis Hits
In many cases, emergency dental treatment is needed for issues such as severe tooth sensitivity, bad breath, fever, swelling of the face or gums, swollen lymph nodes, and a locked jaw (which occurs when the temporomandibular joint — which connects the lower jaw to the skull — becomes irritated). Although most of these conditions can wait until you see your regular dentist, they should never be ignored because they could cause permanent damage or increase your risk of infection.
Some general measures to take prior to seeing an emergency dentist include rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater, avoiding chewing on the affected side of the face, and trying not to touch the root of a knocked-out tooth. In addition, if you have a loose or chipped tooth, do not attempt to reset it yourself. You can rinse it gently without scrubbing, and if you are able, reinsert the tooth in its socket or store it in milk or saliva until you see an emergency dentist.