Dental emergencies can cause significant pain and worry. After all, no one ever likes to discover that there's a problem with their teeth. Fortunately, dentists are available to help patients with their dental emergencies whenever they arise. When you experience dental pain or trauma, you may wonder whether or not you need immediate care. Performing some basic troubleshooting can help you determine whether or not you need emergency dental care. These are four things you can try before calling your dentist for an emergency dental appointment:
1. Clean your teeth thoroughly.
Sometimes toothaches occur due to something pressing on the gums. You can clean your teeth to see if that relieves your symptoms. Sometimes, brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash is all you need to do. However, if your toothache persists or it comes back, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. Prompt emergency care can relieve your tooth pain by solving its cause. Having cavities and tooth infections treated as soon as possible is the best way to ensure these dental situations do not worsen.
2. Examine your tooth closely.
Sometimes, a visual examination can help you determine whether or not you're experiencing a dental emergency. For example, biting down on hard objects can cause your teeth to chip. If chips are minor and do not cause you pain, you can wait until your next dental appointment to bring them up with your dentist. However, if you can see the pulp of your tooth through the chip or if the chipped tooth hurts, you should schedule an emergency dental appointment immediately.
3. Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
Oral wounds can bleed profusely, like other head wounds. Minor cuts and abrasions to your lips, tongue, and inner cheeks usually do not require professional intervention. If you find that you're bleeding from your mouth, you can apply a clean, warm washcloth as a compress. If the bleeding does not stop after several minutes of applying pressure, you should call your dentist for an emergency appointment.
4. Call your dentist for advice.
Finally, when in doubt, you can contact your dentist directly to receive professional advice. By describing the problem over the phone, you can give your dentist a general idea of the nature and severity of your dental problem. If your dentist believes that your problem warrants an exam, they will help you schedule an emergency dental appointment for the same day.
For more information on emergency dental treatment, contact a professional near you.
Share6 June 2022
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