A dental emergency can occur at any time for a variety of reasons. A bad toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or an infection that cannot be treated in the dentist’s office are all considered dental emergencies and require immediate attention. However, many dental emergencies can be avoided by practicing proper oral hygiene and seeing a dentist regularly. The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies here as well.
When Can I Call a Dentist for an Emergency?
Not every dental problem is an emergency, and it can be difficult to know when you should contact a dentist for help. While a sudden, severe toothache or an injury that threatens a tooth or limb are clear indicators of a dental emergency, it can be hard to determine when something is actually an emergency. The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to practice good oral hygiene, wear a mouth guard when playing sports and work, and see your dentist regularly.
Taking the Time to Be Prepared Can Make All the Difference
Whether you or your child experience a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is rinse the area with water and apply pressure if there is any bleeding. This will help to stop the bleeding and prevent further damage until you can get to a dentist for care.
Sizable Cavities
A deep cavity can expose the root of a tooth and cause severe pain. Our emergency dentists can quickly determine the extent of a cavity and provide treatment to save the tooth and relieve your pain.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A tooth can become fractured or knocked out from biting into a hard candy, sports injury, or car accident. If you have a knocked out tooth, hold it by the crown and try to reinsert it if possible. If not, place the tooth in a glass of milk and contact us immediately for emergency dental services.
Infection or Abscess
Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to a tooth infection that can be very painful and even life-threatening. If not treated promptly, an infected or abscessed tooth can cause serious health problems, including fever and swollen glands.
You can avoid dental emergencies by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Injuries can also be prevented by using a mouthguard when participating in sports, driving or working, and taking special care when drinking from glass bottles or eating hard foods. A tooth abscess can also be prevented by taking antibiotics as prescribed. In addition to contacting your regular dentist for advice, you can find an emergency dentist by calling a local clinic and asking to be connected with their emergency hotline or visiting a specialized online directory that lists emergency dentists along with reviews and ratings. If you need the help of a Torrance emergency dentist visit https://www.thetorrancedentist.net/.