Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, inflicting intense pain. From a sudden toothache to a broken tooth, these scenarios might come out of nowhere and require immediate attention. This is where emergency dentistry comes in. Emergency dentists are trained to provide quick and efficient dental care to help you in critical situations. This blog will discuss some facts you need to know about emergency dentistry and what to do in case of a dental emergency.

What Is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry encompasses dental care that necessitates immediate attention to alleviate pain or discomfort or avert lasting harm to your teeth or jaw. It aims to promptly address urgent dental issues, providing timely relief and preventing further complications. Emergency dental services can be provided by general dentists or specialists who have received extensive training to handle emergencies. These dental professionals are available 24/7 to help you out.

Dental Emergencies

Some common dental emergencies include:

• Toothache: It can be caused by dental decay, abscess, tooth fracture or gum disease. A persistent toothache can be considered a dental emergency because it can indicate a severe dental problem that may require immediate treatment.
• Broken or knocked-out tooth: A broken or knocked-out tooth can result from a fall, sports injury or accident.
• Abscess: A dental abscess refers to the build-up of pus within the gums or teeth. It can be very painful and lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
• Lost filling or crown: A lost filling or crown can expose the inner layer of your tooth, causing pain and sensitivity.

If you experience any of the above dental emergencies, it is best to seek emergency dental care right away.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

When faced with a dental emergency, the initial step is to stay composed and promptly reach out to your emergency dentist for assistance. Most emergency dental clinics have on-call dentists to assist you as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you can take the following steps to relieve pain and prevent damage:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area
• Take pain relievers as prescribed or over the counter

Prevention Is Key

Preventing dental emergencies is as important as knowing what to do during one. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and regularly scheduling dental check-ups can significantly mitigate the risk of dental issues and promote overall oral health. Additionally, wearing a mouth guard when playing contact sports, avoiding chewing ice or hard candy and not using your teeth to open bottles can also help prevent dental emergencies.

Contact an emergency dentistry clinic to learn more.