“Expect the unexpected” is fantastic advice —in theory. Staying calm, collected, and alert in an emergency is easy — when everything’s okay. When disaster strikes? Understanding what to do in the face of a dental emergency can do wonders in a bad situation.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can be stressful and confusing, especially if you’re unsure of what to do. Knowing how to identify a dental emergency, what to do when it occurs, and what to expect from an emergency dentist can ease your worries and guide you through urgent situations.
Not all dental issues need immediate treatment. Many, however, do. Here are a few scenarios that warrant emergency dental care:
- Severe and unresponsive toothache — Persistent, intense pain that doesn’t improve with ice, salt water rinses, or painkillers is emergent.
- Broken or cracked tooth — Immediate care following breakage or cracking is vital to relieving pain and preventing bacterial penetration.
- Oral infections — Swelling, pus, or fever indicate an infection needing prompt treatment.
- Knocked-out tooth — When a permanent tooth falls out, whether due to impact or decay, immediate care is crucial and may save the tooth.
What Should I Do If I Knock Out a Tooth?
If an adult tooth gets knocked out, timely action is critical. First and foremost, find the tooth. Holding it by the crown, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing. Then, if possible, place the clean tooth back in its socket in the jaw and gently hold it in place. Otherwise, store it in a container with milk or saline and get to a dentist immediately. Decisive action in these tense moments could save the natural tooth.
How Can I Prepare for a Dental Emergency?
Preparation makes all the difference in a dental emergency. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re ready when the need arises:
- Know your emergency contact info — Many dentists offer after-hours emergency contact information. Having this handy expedites emergency care.
- Keep a dental first aid kit — Keep a kit with gauze, a small container, saline solution, and over-the-counter painkillers for emergency use.
- Understand basic care — Knowing how to handle everyday emergencies helps minimize damage and pain while expediting treatment.
Finding the Best Emergency Dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL
If you’re looking for an experienced emergency dentist in Elk Grove Village to help you develop an effective dental emergency action plan and ensure that you receive timely, high-quality care when the need arises, contact Dr. Vishal Advani and the excellent Elk Grove Smile Center team to schedule a consultation!