If you’re having a problem with your teeth, your dentist should be the first person you call. However, what if your dental problem happens during the night, on a weekend or a holiday? If your dental problem happens outside of normal business hours and is causing you extreme pain, you’ll likely need an emergency dentist. Knowing exactly what a dental emergency is will help you determine your next steps.
According to the American Dental Association, “Dental emergencies are potentially life threatening and require immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding and alleviate severe pain or infection…”
Common dental emergencies include a chipped or missing tooth, an abscessed tooth, or uncontrolled bleeding from the gums [source]. The two most common indicators to pay attention to are severe pain and uncontrolled bleeding. If you’ve experienced a toothache, you understand how intense the pain can be. If the pain is severe and cannot be alleviated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, it’s time to call your dentist.
Dental emergencies can be scary. However, try and remain calm while contacting your dentist. Your dentist will be able to decide the best course of action and if any additional medical support is needed. We encourage our patients to make routine dental appointments to ensure their dental health. Additionally, make an appointment if you begin to feel any discomfort or pain in your mouth.
At Ideal Image Dentistry, we welcome our patients to call anytime with a dental emergency. Dr. Brady and the Ideal Image team are ready to help anytime, day or night.
Ready to give Ideal Image a try? Make an appointment today!