What Is Classified as a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are common and can happen to anyone, even with the most thorough preventative care. When disaster strikes and you experience an injury involving your mouth, it can be difficult to determine what needs to be treated immediately and what can wait until your next dentist appointment. With that said, not all dental problems are emergencies.
If you are unsure whether you are experiencing a dental emergency, ask yourself the following questions:
Am I in severe pain?
Am I bleeding from the mouth?
Are any of my teeth loose?
Have I lost a tooth?
Do I have an infection or abscess?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you are experiencing a dental emergency. Call your dentist and find out if they can see you right away. If they cannot, they may be able to refer you to an emergency dentist.
What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Care
While you wait for emergency care, your dentist can give you instructions over the phone. If you have lost a tooth, rinse off the tooth but do not scrub it. Place it back in the socket or in a small cup of milk to preserve the tooth and increase the chances of saving it. For severe pain or swelling, use a cold compress on the area. If you have knocked out a filling or crown, put the restoration in a resealable bag and place a piece of sugarless gum in the cavity to protect it.
At Cascade Dental Care, we are proud to offer same-day emergency care. If you have a dental emergency, call us and we will make you an appointment as soon as possible.