Did you know that around 35% of Americans don’t visit the dentist each year? Visiting the dentist every 6 months is essential to maintain good oral health and to prevent dental emergencies.
Even if you take good care of your teeth, dental emergencies can be impossible to prevent. Because dental emergencies can happen at any time, it’s important to have a dentist that offers emergency dental care.
What are some signs that you need emergency dental services? Keep reading to learn when to call your emergency dentist.
1. Severe Pain
One of the most common signs that you need emergency dental care is severe pain. Severe pain can happen when you break a tooth, have an infection, have a cavity, or have gum disease.
Some people may also have bleeding and swelling along with severe pain. If the pain is manageable, call your dentist to make an appointment. If you can’t wait, make sure you get emergency care.
2. Broken Tooth
If you break a tooth, you should call your emergency dentist. If you aren’t in severe pain, you can make a regular appointment instead of an emergency appointment.
As soon as you break your tooth, put the piece of the broken tooth into a small bag so that you can take it to the dentist with you. You may have some swelling, so use a cold compress to help.
3. Losing a Tooth
While no one wants to lose a tooth, it can happen if you fall or get hit in the face. Losing a tooth can be a scary feeling, so don’t panic. Put your tooth in a zip lock bag and call your emergency dentist.
While on the way to the dentist, you can take some over-the-counter pain medication and ice your mouth. If you bring the tooth with you, there is a good chance that your dentist can reattach it.
If the tooth can’t be reattached, you could get a dental implant. To learn more about your options after losing a tooth, check out the services this dentist offers.
4. Losing a Filling
Another common sign that you need emergency dental care is if you lose a filling or a crown. Fillings and crowns are important for your dental health because they protect your teeth from tooth decay and damage.
When you lose a filling or crown, your teeth will be exposed. This can cause pain and further damage to your teeth. On average, fillings last around 10 years, so you can expect to have them replaced at some point.
Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?
Some of the most common signs that you need emergency dental care include severe pain, a broken tooth, losing a filling, and losing a tooth. If you have any of these signs, call your dentist right away.
Did you enjoy reading this article on finding emergency dental care near me? If so, check out the health category for more dental care tips.
