Emergency dental services help patients in dire straits. Whether you woke up with a toothache or cracked your tooth on an unforeseen bone in your steak, an emergency dentist can help you fix the problem. Doing these four things can help you find relief from emergency dental troubles:
1. Call your dentist as soon as possible.
Emergency dentists make an effort to prioritize patients who need immediate treatment. It's common for emergency dentists to see patients within one or two days. However, you shouldn't put off making the call. Calling too late in the day may mean that you end up waiting longer for treatment. Calling your dentist at the first sign of oral pain or injury can help you receive treatment as soon as possible.
2. Tell your dentist about any medication you've taken.
Many people try to manage the pain from toothaches with over-the-counter medication. This can help you stay comfortable until you're able to see your dentist. However, it's important to tell your dentist about the medications you've taken when you arrive at their office. Many diagnostic tests rely on patient-reported sensitivity and pain, and some pain medications can reduce sensitivity. Letting your dentist know that you've taken these drugs can allow them to adjust their expectations during their diagnosis.
3. Follow your dentist's instructions.
Your dentist may prescribe medication or tell you to take certain over-the-counter medications to manage your discomfort. If you're prescribed antibiotics to treat a tooth infection, it's important that you finish all of the pills you're given, even if your mouth starts to feel better. Your dentist may also suggest gargling with warm salt water or placing ice on the outside of your mouth to reduce discomfort from toothaches. Following these directions can help you stay comfortable as you recover from a toothache.
4. Keep all follow-up appointments.
Dentists can treat many emergency dental problems immediately. Cavities can be filled, and broken fillings can be replaced in your dentist's office immediately. However, some dental problems are caused by issues that require the care of a specialist. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if you require a complicated root canal procedure such as endodontic retreatment. While your dentist may take measures to increase your comfort level at your emergency appointment, you must follow up with specialists and your regular dentist as directed. This will ensure that you get the care you need to save your teeth and keep your mouth healthy.
Turn to a dental practice that offers emergency services, such as Cruz Davis Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, to learn more.
Share21 September 2022
Halloween is a holiday that my children love, and telling them they can't go door-to-door collecting candy would break their hearts. This led me to allowing them to collect candy on the holiday, then rationing it out to them every day instead of letting them gobble it up in just a few days. I always thought this was better for them, but my dentist told me this could be the reason why their February dental check-ups were always their worst ones. Daily candy consumption was taking a toll on their teeth. I started a new tradition of letting them indulge for two days, then giving them the option to swap the rest with me in exchange for a new toy. They never pass on the opportunity for a new toy. I created this blog to encourage other parents find similar tactics to keep their children's teeth healthy after Halloween.