Depending on your personality, you may have a specific definition of what constitutes as an emergency. You may be someone who tends to not overreact and wants to handle problems on your own. While that mentality can be helpful in some scenarios, it may also prevent you from seeking help when you desperately need it. Dental emergencies can happen quickly, and they need attention that is equally as quick. How can you tell what merits a dental emergency? In today’s blog, we cover some scenarios when you should seek treatment right away.
If Your Tooth Has Come Out, Make an Emergency Visit
If you’ve experienced an accident that has caused you to lose a tooth, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible. That doesn’t mean waiting for normal business hours; it means contacting a dentist right away. Many dentists will see you off hours to help you during these crucial situations. Tooth loss is a serious problem, and the faster you receive treatment, the more likely your dentist will be able to save the tooth or prevent additional complications from popping up afterward. This is a situation when you should always reach out for help.
If Your Tooth Is Broken, It’s an Emergency
Your tooth may not come out of your mouth in one big piece. In fact, more likely, your tooth may break as the result of eating something too hard or a physical accident. If a portion of your tooth has broken off, this is also a dental emergency. You should seek examination and treatment as soon as possible for the best prognosis. If your tooth (or dental prosthetic) has broken, be sure to collect all of the broken pieces and keep them clean until you can be seen by a dentist. Preserving a broken or even lost tooth in salt water or milk may allow your dentist to replace it once you are able to see them.
Have an Emergency Dentist in Place Beforehand
The best way to stay calm during a stressful emergency situation is to be prepared before the emergency happens. This is the same reason families are told to make an exit strategy and meeting point in the event of a fire. When you know what to do in case of an emergency, you can react quickly and calmly. You should know who you can call as an emergency dentist before you experience an emergency. This will allow you to stay calm even while experiencing a traumatic event like tooth loss.
Cerritos Dental Surgery Is Here During Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be scary and painful. We understand that oral health issues don’t always happen during business hours, and we’re here to help. You can count on Cerritos Dental Surgery if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. Stay calm, give us a call, and leave a message if there is not an immediate answer.