A dental emergency could happen without notice, causing pain and anxiety. Whether it’s a chipped tooth, phantom toothache, or injury to the gums, knowing what to do before going to the dentist could be critical for your treatment outcome.
We do understand that a dental emergency is a great stressor and needs to be attended to immediately.
Controlling the damage and providing relief until professional help can intervene is very important.
While looking for an emergency dentist near you, this guide will provide information to enable you to manage your dental emergency effectively before your appointment.
6 Steps to Follow Before Visiting an Emergency Dentist
Step 1: Determine Your Dental Emergency
An example of a dental emergency is one that necessitates a different procedure than the others. Normal dental emergencies include:
- Severe Toothache: A pain that persists and does not go away.
- Broken or Chipped Tooth: By injury or hard food.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Entirely dislodged from its socket.
- Lost Filling or Crown: This exposes sensitive areas of the tooth.
- Gum or Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts or bleeding inside the mouth.
Understanding the categorical degree of urgency confronting you shall provide some guidance in determining a proper action to take in the interim before arriving at an emergency dentist in NW Calgary.
Step 2: Alleviate Pain and Swelling
Pain and swelling are common enough companions to keep you panicking over dental emergencies. To ease any discomfort:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Apply a cold compress to the area.
- Check out some over-the-counter prep, like ibuprofen.
Do not put aspirin directly on the gums and teeth; it may irritate.
Step 3: Stop Bleeding (If Any)
For injuries involving bleeding, follow these steps:
- Use a clean gauze or cloth to apply pressure to the area.
- Keep your head elevated to reduce blood flow.
- If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes, seek immediate help from a dentist near you.
Step 4: Protect the Affected Tooth
For specific dental emergencies, take the following precautions:
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Take the tooth by its crown rather than its root.
- Instead of scrubbing, rinse it with water.
- Try storing it in milk or putting it back in its socket.
- See a dentist in NW Calgary right away for an emergency.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
- Collect any tooth fragments.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Apply dental wax or sugar-free gum on sharp edges.
Lost Filling or Crown
- Use dental cement or sugar-free gum to cover the exposed area temporarily.
- Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth.
Step 5: Avoid Further Damage
To prevent worsening the issue:
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods.
- Do not use your teeth to open packages or bite nails.
- Limit hot, cold, or sugary food and drinks that may trigger pain.
Taking these precautions will help protect your teeth until you reach a dental clinic near you.
Step 6: Contact an Emergency Dentist
Once you’ve managed the immediate symptoms, call a dental clinic for an emergency appointment.
Provide them with details about your condition so they can prepare the necessary treatment.
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, describing your symptoms to a professional can help determine the urgency.
Wrapping Up!
Knowing what to do before visiting a dentist can reduce pain and prevent further complications. Taking immediate action in a dental emergency ensures better treatment outcomes and a quicker recovery.
Prompt action can save your smile!
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, visit a dentist in NW Calgary at Valley Ridge Dental Centre for expert care. Schedule an appointment today and get the relief you need!