There are a few emergency situations that families should be generally prepared for even if they're unlikely, and a dental emergency is a good example. What qualifies as a dental emergency that requires immediate attention from a dental professional, even possibly outside business hours, and how do you handle these situations?
At Hillfield Pediatric Dentistry, we're proud to serve as one of Layton's top emergency dentist offices, providing these and numerous other family dentist and general dentist services to clients of varying needs. Here's a primer on how to determine whether a dental issue qualifies as an emergency, plus how to handle those situations if they come up for yourself or anyone else in your family.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Generally speaking, a dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention from a dental professional. These can include:
- Significant accident: If you or a family member has experienced significant trauma to the mouth, such as being hit in the face with a hard object or falling and damaging teeth, this is considered an emergency. It's important to seek treatment right away to prevent further damage and potential infection.
- Severe pain: Any toothache that is severe enough to interfere with daily activities or sleep should be considered an emergency. This could indicate an infection or other serious issue that needs immediate attention.
- Bleeding: If there is any uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, it's important to seek help from a dental professional immediately. This could be indicative of a serious injury or a more serious underlying health issue.
- Dislodged tooth: If a permanent tooth has been completely knocked out of the mouth, it's important to seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes. The sooner the tooth is re-implanted, the higher chance of saving it and preventing further damage.
Handling Dental Emergencies
In any of these situations, it's important to remain calm and act quickly. Here are some steps you can take in different types of dental emergencies:
- Traumatic accident: If there has been significant trauma to the mouth, try to stop any bleeding with clean gauze or a clean cloth. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth. Call your dentist for immediate assistance and follow their instructions.
- Severe pain: Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the packaging while waiting for emergency dental care. Rinse with warm salt water to help alleviate discomfort and keep the area clean.
- Bleeding: Apply pressure to the affected area with gauze or a clean cloth until you can reach your dentist's office. Rinse with warm salt water to help control bleeding and prevent infection.
- Dislodged tooth: If possible, rinse the tooth gently with water and try to reinsert it into the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and bring it with you to your dentist's office.
It's important to remember that not all dental issues require emergency care. Minor toothaches or minor chips can often wait for regular business hours, but if there is any doubt, calling your dentist for advice is always recommended.
At Hillfield Pediatric Dentistry, we're always here to provide emergency dental care and support our patients during difficult times. Whatever the situation may be, stay prepared by knowing when to seek immediate attention from a dental professional and how to handle these emergencies. Your oral health is important, and we're here to help keep you and your family's smiles healthy and bright. So don't hesitate to contact us for any emergency dental needs!
