It almost feels like dental emergencies love to show up at the most inconvenient times. So, what do you do in such scenarios? Where to go for a dental emergency at night or outside office hours? Aspire Dental Wellness has the answers – here’s how to get the care you need fast.
Where to Go for a Dental Emergency on the Weekend or at Night?
In case of dental emergencies, you should go to your dentist in Charlotte, NC, as soon as possible. However, if it’s outside office hours, contact them first – most dentists should provide an emergency number to use in such scenarios.
You can also go to an emergency dental clinic in Charlotte, NC. These practices are usually open 24/7 and are specialized in handling urgent dental issues, offering quick, effective care.
How Can an Emergency Room Help With Dental Issues?
If you don’t have an emergency contact for your dentist, you can always go to the nearest ER. While they are obviously not practitioners of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, and won’t perform restorative treatments such as dental fillings, they can still help.
You can get medications to reduce discomfort and swelling, but you’ll still need to schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible. Only they have the expertise to provide the long-term care your smile needs.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Most of the time, you’re sitting in that chair to get a cleaning and an exam, or you’ve got a scheduled treatment, like teeth whitening or getting dental implants. But life loves to throw curveballs, and sometimes those curveballs hit your teeth.
You’re following up with your oral hygiene routine diligently, playing it safe, but suddenly, you find yourself in an unexpected, not-so-pleasant situation that demands immediate attention. Truly, it can happen to anyone.
So, what exactly qualifies as a dental emergency? Simply put, it’s any issue that needs urgent care. Here’s what an emergency dental Charlotte, NC, clinic handles:
- Very uncomfortable toothaches that can’t be relieved with medications,
- Dental injuries, such as a knocked-out or significantly chipped tooth,
- Increased swelling in the face and jaw, which might be a dental abscess,
- Lost or broken restorations, including dental crowns and bridges,
- Serious injury to the soft tissue, like a deeply busted lip.
What Feels Like a Dental Emergency but Actually Isn’t One?
Not every tooth mishap calls for an emergency dash to your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark. If it’s something you can handle until the scheduled appointment, regular office hours will do just fine.
Of course, it still needs to be addressed as soon as possible, just without all the worrying! This includes a mild toothache that isn’t keeping you up at night, a tiny chip in the tooth, something stuck between your teeth, as well as broken braces. Sure, all of these can be pretty annoying, but the important thing is – they’re not alarming!
What to Do Until You See Your Emergency Charlotte, NC, Dentist
Obviously, visiting your dentist as soon as possible will help in more ways than one. However, if they can’t see you immediately, get in touch with them, and you’ll get some guidance on how to keep things under control until you’re in the chair. Let’s take a look at some of these expert tips.
Use Warm Water and Ice Packs to Ease Toothache Pain
Toothaches are among the most frequent dental emergencies people face. It’s no wonder – according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five adults have at least one cavity that has not been treated. That’s often how it all begins!
If you’re dealing with a toothache, give your mouth a good rinse with warm water and use dental floss to gently remove anything that might be stuck, adding to the discomfort. For quick relief, apply an ice pack outside the cheek, near the affected area. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can also help until it’s time to finally get professional care.
Handle Cracked and Knocked-Out Teeth Carefully
A cracked tooth can be alarming, but don’t panic! Just like with a toothache, start by rinsing with warm water. This will clean the area and help you collect any broken pieces you can find. An ice pack can also be of help here, significantly reducing swelling.
If it’s not a chip but a fully knocked-out tooth, you should try to save it. Hold the tooth by its top and carefully rinse the root with warm water – just be gentle enough not to scrub away any tissue fragments. Place it in a small container of milk or in water with a pinch of salt to preserve it. Quick action could save your smile!
Use Dental Cement to Temporarily Fix Broken Restorations
If you have a broken or missing filling, you can take some quick steps to protect the area. You can either gently press a piece of sugar-free gum into the cavity as a temporary fix or, better yet, use dental cement. This solution is also great for temporarily holding a dental crown that has come loose.
Aspire Dental Wellness Is Your Trusted Partner in All Scenarios
Dealing with sudden dental issues isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but knowing who to turn to makes all the difference. Our team, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, is here to provide compassionate, expert care when you need it most. Whether it’s an emergency or a specific treatment, contact us today – your smile deserves it!
