How To Handle A Dental Emergency

Posted on: 11 November 2022

Even if you take good care of your oral hygiene, you may still experience a dental emergency at some point. Examples of dental emergencies include severe toothaches, cracked teeth, and abscessed gums. These emergencies can be very painful and affect your dental health. Here are a few good ways to handle a dental emergency.

Do Not Panic

It can be alarming when dealing with a dental emergency, whether it is a knocked-out tooth or toothache. However, you should try not to panic because these emergencies are rarely life-threatening. Losing your cool may just raise your blood pressure and make you feel worse. Take a few deep breaths and take the necessary steps to rectify the issue.

Avoid the Emergency Room

Emergency rooms in hospitals can handle many medical emergencies. However, they aren't the best places to seek assistance for dental emergencies. In fact, if you go to a hospital emergency room for a dental emergency, they will likely tell you to go to an emergency dentist. Therefore, save time and frustration by going to an emergency dentist from the beginning. 

Control Bleeding

Dental trauma usually results in some bleeding. Before you leave to see an emergency dentist, you should try to control the bleeding as best as possible. For example, you may want to place a gauze on the area.

Place a Knocked-Out Tooth in Milk 

Getting your tooth knocked out can be a traumatic experience. However, you may be able to save your tooth if you see an emergency dentist immediately. After you pick up the tooth by the crown, you should place it in a cup of milk to keep it moist. The dentist can try to reattach the tooth in your mouth.

Bring a Family Member or Friend

If you are getting treated for a dental emergency, sedation may be used to improve your comfort. As such, you may not be able to drive yourself home. That is why you should ask a trusted family member or friend to accompany you to your appointment. After your dentist treats the emergency, your family member or friend can safely drive you home.

Although dental emergencies can be scary, following the right steps can improve your experience. If you have a dental emergency, you should head to an emergency dental clinic as soon as possible. The sooner you see a dentist, the more successful your treatment will be, and the sooner you will feel better. 

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