Emergencies happen when people least expect them. When it comes to dental emergencies, people tend to panic more than usual because these can be highly uncomfortable and complex. If you encounter any dental issues, it’s vital to know what to do before going to the dentist.
Here is a list of the most common dental emergencies a patient may encounter and what their next steps should be.
When You Get a Bad Toothache
A toothache is a common dental emergency. It is a glaring sign that something is wrong with your teeth. However, it can lead to more severe problems if not handled immediately. A toothache is a clear indication of infection or inflammation in your tooth.
At home, you can relieve the pain by taking pain medications. Consult your family dentist if the pain persists or becomes more unbearable.
When Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out
If the tooth is still in the mouth, do not try to push the tooth back into the socket too hard. Only rinse the root if it is dirty, and avoid rubbing it or removing any tissue.
If the tooth is outside the mouth, put it in a container with cold water with a pinch of salt. Do not handle it much since being exposed to air can damage the roots.
If you are not home, drive yourself (or have someone drive you) to the nearest dental office immediately.
When You Crack Your Teeth
If the crack is on the side of the tooth, you can apply a cold compress to it or have a cold water rinse. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication. If you have dental coverage, call your insurance company and see if getting a crown is covered by your policy.
If you have severe pain and bleeding in your tooth, go straight to the nearest dental office.
When Your Crown Goes Missing
Whenever a crown breaks off or goes missing, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. While waiting, you can apply ice to your teeth and take pain medication.
When You Experience Bleeding and Pain after a Tooth Extraction
Pain and bleeding after tooth extraction can be stopped by a cold compress and bite on gauze. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication. If the bleeding does not stop after half an hour, you should go see a dentist.
When You Get a Mouth Abscess
If your mouth has a painful, swollen spot that looks like a pimple, it may be an abscess. It’s a sign of an infection, and when not addressed immediately, it can be serious. It’s especially a cause for concern when the abscess is near the root of a tooth or in between your teeth. Apply ice to the swollen area for temporary relief, and contact your dentist for an appointment right away.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies can be handled with ease as long as you know what you should do. There is no need to panic. You need to be calm, take action, and do what you need to do. If you have dental insurance, you do not have to worry. It will cover the cost of your emergency procedures. You can also get comprehensive dental insurance to avoid unexpected emergency dentistry costs.
Should you need an emergency dentist in Alexandria, visit us at Galleria Dental of Alexandria. Our clinic is committed to delivering the highest quality emergency dental care using our advanced dental equipment. Contact us today!