When it comes to any unexpected issue that might arise, knowing who to turn to can make all the difference. This sentiment extends to the world of oral health, where certain problems simply can’t wait. But what is emergency dentistry exactly? Which symptoms and conditions call for immediate attention? Here’s a comprehensive guide to make sure you receive the care you need when you need it the most.
What Is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry is a branch of the dental practice that deals with issues requiring immediate attention. The role of an emergency dentist is to respond as soon as possible and treat these conditions, providing immediate relief and preventing them from becoming even more severe.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Most of the time, going to the dentist’s office entails routine dental cleaning and exams or scheduled treatment appointments. However, there are also those less planned and, in certain cases, less pleasant visits. In such cases, knowing who to turn to and when is just as important as knowing how often you should go to the dentist.
Accidents can happen, no matter how hard you try to avoid them, and in such scenarios, knowing the right course of action can make all the difference. But first, what is a dental emergency exactly? Here are the most common examples:
- Intense toothache that doesn’t get better with medication,
- Significantly cracked or knocked-out tooth,
- Swelling of your jaw and face, also known as dental abscess,
- Broken dental crowns and bridges,
- Serious trauma of the mouth or face.
Contact Your Emergency Dental Clinic in Charlotte, NC, Immediately
Many dentists will provide you with an emergency number you can use if you’ve landed yourself in trouble outside of regular office hours. If that isn’t the case, you should go to the nearest emergency room or an urgent care center. To feel confident even in such vulnerable scenarios, it’s best to be prepared. So, take this as a sign and search for “emergency dentistry near me,” just in case. Most of these practices operate 24/7, and if they can’t attend to you immediately, it’s always in less than 24 hours.
How to Manage Each Scenario Before Reaching Emergency Dentistry in Charlotte
Contacting your emergency dentist in Charlotte, NC, as soon as possible will help you in more ways than one. Obviously, your issue will be treated, but you’ll also receive crucial instructions on managing your condition until then. Let’s dive into a few common scenarios and discuss how you can help yourself in each one.
Try to Subdue Your Toothache With Medications
If you’ve got an uncomfortable toothache, start by thoroughly rinsing your mouth using warm water. With dental floss, carefully try to remove any stuck food if there is any. Applying an ice pack or a cold pad to your cheek can provide significant relief. Until you can reach your emergency dental Charlotte, NC, clinic, it’s also a good idea to take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Rinse Your Mouth With Warm Water if You’ve Got a Cracked Tooth
If you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and try to save any broken pieces. Apply an ice pack near the affected area, and the swelling should go down a bit.
Preserve the Knocked-Out Tooth and Get It to Your Dentist Promptly
If you’ve accidentally knocked out your tooth, you should hold it by the crown and rinse the root with warm water. Make sure to not remove any tissue fragments by scrubbing the tooth. Put it into a small container of milk or a cup of water with a pinch of salt, preserving it until you get to the emergency clinic, where it can be reinserted into its socket in less than an hour.
Rinse Your Mouth With a Salt-Water Solution to Ease Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are swollen areas usually occurring around the root of the tooth but sometimes also affecting the area between your gums and teeth. If left untreated, it can cause increased swelling in your jaw and face, possibly even spreading to other parts of your body. To make it more manageable until you reach the dental office, rinse your mouth with a solution made from 8 ounces of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Protect Your Teeth Until You Can See Your Dentist
If you’re dealing with a broken or missing dental filling, try sticking a piece of sugar-free gum into it or, better yet, use dental cement. When it comes to crowns and bridges, try to hold them in place with dental cement or toothpaste, at least until you reach the emergency clinic.
What Feels Like a Dental Emergency but Actually Isn’t?
Not all dental issues are emergencies. If it can wait until a scheduled appointment without causing you discomfort, there’s really no need to contact an emergency office – regular business hours will do just fine. That being said, you should still see your Charlotte dentist in South Park as soon as possible. Here are some of such scenarios:
- Mild toothache,
- Small chip in a tooth,
- A stuck object between your teeth,
- A small cut of your soft tissue,
- Broken braces.
Don’t Panic, Just Call – Aspire Dental Wellness Is Here for You
Dental emergencies can be like uninvited guests, showing up without warning and often at the least convenient times. But with a reliable Charlotte, NC, dentist by your side, these dental dilemmas won’t bug you for too long. Contact us today – our emergency cosmetic dentistry practice, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, can be your dental saving grace. Don’t let tooth troubles dampen your smile or your spirit!
