It is difficult to prepare for a dental emergency, but knowing what to do when experiencing one can be the deciding factor between losing and saving a tooth. Not only do dental emergencies result in significant amounts of pain, but they can also result in tooth loss or an escalation of the initial problem. It is important to obtain immediate treatment when a dental emergency occurs.
Common Dental Emergencies
Understanding what constitutes a dental emergency will allow you to know when it is time to obtain emergency dental treatment. The most common dental emergency is generally a broken, loose, or avulsed tooth. This occurs frequently when trauma occurs to the tooth. If a tooth is avulsed (or knocked out), it is vital to keep it hydrated until you get to your dentist. Another common type of dental emergency is an abscessed tooth. If a tooth has developed an abscess, it has experienced severe decay and is likely infected. The infection can spread to other areas of the body, so it is incredibly important to obtain medical treatment for abscessed teeth. It may also be necessary to obtain emergency treatment when experiencing severe pain in a tooth.
The Importance of Emergency Dental Care
If you experience a dental emergency, it is important to obtain emergency dental care. Many people go to the hospital after sustaining a broken or avulsed tooth, but the hospital is unequipped to effectively restore the tooth. Visiting your dentist immediately may allow the tooth to be saved. In the event of an emergency dental situation, time is of the essence. If the problem is left alone until a convenient time, it will drastically reduce the chances that the tooth will be able to be saved and will allow the damage to escalate. Here at Hyde Park Dental, we are passionate about protecting your smile. We offer emergency dental care to ensure that you can obtain the services that you need when you need them.