A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate or same-day treatment. Sometimes, pain can signal a dental emergency, but not always. The best way to tell if you need immediate attention is to call your dentist as soon as possible.
How Do I Prepare for an Emergency Dental Visit?
During an emergency dental visit, you will be provided the best dental care possible. However, if the visit is unexpected, you should still be prepared for it.
Our emergency dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw, as well as take X-rays of the teeth. We will also check for any potential problems, such as infections, broken teeth or fillings, cracked teeth, and bleeding gums.
When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?
You should see the dentist immediately if you are facing any of these issues:
Severe Tooth Pain
If you experience intense tooth pain, it could be a sign of a dental emergency that requires immediate treatment. A dental emergency is any condition that requires immediate treatment in order to save the tooth or prevent tooth loss.
Knocked-out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency. If you have a tooth knocked out, get to the dentist or emergency room immediately for treatment to save the tooth.
Broken Tooth
If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, you'll likely need emergency dental care. The sooner the dentist can repair the damage, the better the prognosis will be. In the meantime, try to rinse your mouth out with warm water, use an ice pack to reduce inflammation, and schedule an appointment with our dentist as soon as you can.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
When an object gets stuck between your teeth, this is one of the most common reasons to seek out emergency dental care. Don't use a sharp object like a knife to remove the object. This can cause further damage to your teeth, gums, and tooth enamel. If the object cannot be removed, you should seek emergency dental care.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be a symptom of a toothache. If you've broken a tooth, have an infection, or are experiencing any other kind of dental emergency, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.
How Are Dental Emergencies Prevented?
- Preventive dental care. This includes visiting the dentist regularly for routine cleanings and exams. This can help detect problems early so that patients can seek treatment before an emergency occurs.
- Practice proper at-home oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing every day can help remove plaque and bacteria, which can reduce the likelihood of developing cavities. Patients should floss at least once a day and brush twice a day.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports. Participating in contact sports without wearing a mouthguard can result in oral injuries. Mouthguards can help prevent orofacial injuries.
At Wade K. Marler, D.D.S, we offer the best dental care possible to each of our patients in a positive and relaxing environment. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at (253) 852-0480 or visit us at 17203 SE 270th Pl, Covington, WA 98042.