It can feel overwhelming when you face a sudden toothache, broken crown or knocked-out tooth. You might wonder: Should I go to the dentist right now, or is it okay to wait until tomorrow?
These times are stressful, but knowing how to respond can save your teeth and help minimize the pain.
Learning about how dental emergencies work will help you act faster and with full confidence, as they can cause sudden injury or sharp pain when you are eating.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Situations that require immediate dental attention to prevent future problems are emergencies. Some common examples include:
- Severe toothache that doesn’t go away
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Loose dental work, like crowns or bridges
- Bleeding or swelling from trauma
Don’t wait until you encounter one of these dental emergencies; seek help from an emergency dentist near you.
Early identification of such problems will help you get prompt care from an emergency dentist to save your tooth as well as your smile.
Steps to Take Before Seeing a Dentist
A few actions you can take even before reaching a clinic:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Save any broken tooth pieces in milk or saline
- Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed
While you’re on the way to treatment, these urgent dental care tips could help keep your mouth safe and lessen pain.
What Happens During a Same-Day Emergency Visit?
A typical emergency dental visit guide looks like below:
- The dentist will examine the condition to find any signs of fracture, decay or an infection.
- A local anaesthesia or temporary solution is provided.
- The course of action may involve anything from filling a tooth, root canal therapy, to antibiotic medication.
- You will be given instructions on how to protect the teeth until a permanent restoration is made.
Quick visits to a dentist near you can avert further damage and issues.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While accidents can’t always be avoided, some steps can reduce your risk.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
- Avoid chewing ice or hard candies
- Pay regular visits to the dentist
- Keep emergency dental contacts handy
This means fewer urgent situations and healthier teeth overall.
At-Home vs. Professional Emergency Care
| Situation | At-Home Care | Professional Care |
| Toothache | Rinse, pain relief | Diagnosis, treatment, root canal if needed |
| Knocked-out tooth | Preserve in milk | Re-implantation, splinting |
| Broken crown | Temporary dental cement | Permanent crown replacement |
| Swelling | Cold compress | Antibiotics, treatment of infection |
Protect Your Smile, Act Fast
Act quickly at the first signs of a dental emergency! When and how to respond, and knowing an emergency dentist close to you can make sure your teeth get the care they need promptly.
Glenmore Family Dental Care can help you with any unexpected emergencies and urgent questions, with same-day appointments for effective assistance.
Do not wait for tomorrow; start taking steps to protect your smile today.
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FAQs
Q. Can I wait a day if my tooth hurts?
A. If pain is bad, or if swelling occurs, see a dentist on the same day as the injury.
Q. What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
A. Make sure to grasp the crown and not the root, rinse it under water gently, and put it in milk or saline until you reach the dentist.
Q. Are same-day emergency visits expensive?
A. The price varies, though many clinics can quickly estimate costs and deal with your insurance.
Q. Can I call before going to a clinic?
A: Yes! When you call ahead, the clinic can prepare for you. Thus, you get to see the doctor faster.