When an oral health emergency strikes, scrambling to find an emergency dentist is the last thing you want to be worried about, but sometimes you don’t have much of a choice. Whether it’s already an urgent matter or you’re simply taking extra steps to ensure that you have a plan of action should one arise, choosing an emergency dentist doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to assist your search!
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is defined as any oral health problem that causes pain for more than 24 hours, or that fits other criteria such as bleeding. Issues that are considered dental emergencies include:
- Tooth loss
- Tooth displacement
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Tooth infection
- Broken dental appliance or prosthetic
How to Find an Emergency Dentist
If you’re in need of an emergency dentist, here are some important criteria for locating one.
- Look for a dentist in your city or near you. You should select one that doesn’t require you to drive very far, as this could be difficult if you are in excessive pain and can make an already difficult time more stressful.
- Check the dentist’s hours and be sure to verify that they offer same-day appointments.
- Verify that they accept your dental insurance and confirm payment options.
- Determine which treatments they offer in-house.
- Check on the ages that the dentist can assist, as they may not be able to assist a child or adult depending on the type of practice.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
If you do find yourself experiencing a dental emergency, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to get on the road to recovery.
- Call your emergency dentist and explain the problem.
- Follow the dentist’s advice. You may be advised to do things like apply compresses, soak a lost tooth in milk, or come in for an immediate appointment. No matter the instructions, do your best to follow as closely as possible.
- Go to your emergency appointment as scheduled.
- Follow the dentist’s advice for treatment and/or follow-up care.
- Schedule a return appointment if necessary.
Remember, the goal of your emergency appointment is to stabilize the problem and eliminate any pain. Your dentist may not be able to perform the necessary treatment at that time, and you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment for further care. If this is the case, be sure to follow any care instructions in the meantime.
Don’t let dental emergencies cost you time, money, or your teeth. Selecting an emergency dentist before you need one can truly save your smile!
About Our Practice
At Buda Dental Professionals, our team of skilled dentists is ready to assist you in a dental emergency. While we believe that the best way to prevent an urgent dental problem is through proper preventive care, we understand that sometimes accidents happen.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office as soon as possible for assistance. We can be reached at 512-295-5555.