Dental Emergencies: Everything You Need To Know

Posted by Legacy Dental Clinic May 15, 2023

A dental emergency is any dental issue that needs to be addressed immediately. While some are avoidable, others are unexpected. A dental emergency can be painful and scary but knowing how to handle one can help ease the pain.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any sort of trauma to the mouth or teeth, especially when there is bleeding involved. When you have a dental emergency, it is important to visit our emergency dentist as soon as possible.

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental attention to save a tooth or prevent further problems from occurring. Some of these emergencies cause permanent damage to your teeth, jaw, gums, and other areas of your mouth when left untreated. For example, untreated pain and infections spread to other parts of your body and cause more permanent health complications. It is important to seek immediate treatment from an emergency dentist for these conditions to minimize further damage to your smile.

What To Do If a Dental Emergency Occurs?

If a tooth has been knocked out completely, store the tooth in a glass of milk or water until you can get to the dentist. Never try to scrub the tooth clean or remove any soft tissues attached to the tooth. If the tooth falls out and you experience any pain, be sure to take an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to reduce discomfort. If your jaw is broken or you have hit your head, try to keep the swelling down with a cold compress applied to the outside of your face. And in all the above cases, make an appointment to see our emergency dentist as soon as you can!

How To Prevent Dental Emergencies?

The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to schedule regular cleanings and exams with your general dentist. During these visits, you will get a thorough examination to determine if there are any signs of cavities or gum disease. If these issues are found, your dental care professional will work with you to create a treatment plan to treat these problems before they progress further and cause you pain. Here are some ways to prevent dental emergencies.

Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies. These foods can crack or break your teeth, especially your molars. Choose softer snacks like fruits, veggies, cheese cubes, and nuts.

It is also important to avoid biting down on hard objects like your fingernails, pen caps, or even the ends of your toothbrush.
Use a mouth guard if you play sports to help you prevent injuries while playing contact sports. Mouth guards can also help prevent nighttime grinding of your teeth as you sleep.
Make sure that your mouthwash contains fluoride to help prevent cavities as well.
As always, remember to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, visiting our general dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and getting treatment for bruxism if necessary.

How To Prepare for A Dental Emergency?

Here are some things you can do to prepare for any dental emergencies, so you know what to expect.

Keep our office number handy so you can call us immediately.
Find a good general dentist. Finding the right dentist like us and regular dental care means you will know what to expect during an emergency and what to do if it occurs.
Have copies of your medical and dental records on hand. Having a copy of your medical and dental records means you do not have to search for them again during a dental emergency. If you need copies made, your dental office can make them for you.
Understand your insurance benefits. Knowing exactly what is covered and what is not will help you better prepare for unexpected or urgent dental treatments. Take the time to understand your insurance coverage by reviewing it with your insurance carrier or by visiting our insurance page.

Contact your insurance company to let them know about the emergency. This is especially true if your insurance information changes.
Make financial arrangements ahead of time for any emergency care you may need. This will help you avoid additional fees and unexpected charges. We follow the Alberta fee guide, and typically we require an emergency exam and respective radiographs.

These tips can help you be prepared for a dental emergency. They can also help you stay calm if you do experience one. We hope you never have to use these tips, but you will be glad you know this.

To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Jennifer Nguyen! You can also call our office at (825) 467-8888 or visit Legacy Dental Clinic located at 4224 Gateway Blvd Edmonton, AB.

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