People can often have a hard time figuring out when to seek emergency dental care. There are many reasons for this. For starters, going to an emergency dentist is often more expensive than scheduling an appointment during regular clinic hours. Also, many people have busy schedules which means finding time to take care of a dental emergency can be quite a challenge for some.
Just like other parts of the body like the arms and legs, a person's teeth are also a vital part of his or her anatomy. The same way a person needs to see a doctor when pressing issues such as a broken arm occurs, some dental injuries require immediate treatment to prevent unnecessary suffering and prevent more substantial complications from developing.
Here are a few reasons why a person might need the services of an emergency dentist:
When a tooth becomes badly damaged because of a severe break of crack, it is vital to have it looked at by an oral professional. A tooth can become cracked or broken due to simple things like chewing on hard foods and candies like Jawbreakers or trauma caused by physical activities. When a tooth becomes cracked or broken, the nerves inside become exposed to the irritants in the person's mouth like bacteria and food particles. The result is nerve damage that can be very painful to live with while going through day to day life. In this scenario, it is best to seek emergency dental care immediately.
Regardless of the reason why a tooth becomes knocked out, like an accident or sports injury, that certainly qualifies as an emergency situation. The first thing one should do when a tooth becomes knocked out is to try to put it back in its socket. If possible, the tooth should be held in place until an emergency dentist can examine it. A wet tea bag or piece of gauze can be used to do this.
If the tooth cannot be reinserted into the socket, it is best to keep it in a container that contains milk or the person's saliva. In many cases, the dentist can still reinsert the tooth, so patients should do everything in their power to preserve it before a dentist can take a look at the injury.
Most patients do not need to be told they need emergency dental care when an infection develops. The pain associated with an infected tooth is enough to send even people with high pain tolerance straight to the dentist's clinic. Other symptoms of tooth infections include a swollen face, pus coming out of the tooth, and pain in the cheeks and ears.
A tooth infection is considered a serious medical condition that can quickly spread to other parts of the body like the brain and liver if it is not addressed promptly. There is no good reason to be worried about visiting an emergency dentist when dealing with an infection.
Wondering if your current dental issue requires an emergency dentist? Contact one of our dentists today!
Request a dental appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria dental office.
Tooth loss can affect how you eat and speak, as well as how your smile looks. Restorative solutions, like implant crowns, are important for maintaining your dental and overall health. Implant crowns are strong and resemble natural teeth, blending well with surrounding teeth. They imitate the structure of real teeth, providing long-term benefits for those…
Most people see their family dentist every six months for a dental cleaning. However, there are oral health issues that warrant a trip to the dentist’s office in between cleanings. These check-ins can protect your teeth’s integrity and your overall oral health in the long run.It is common for patients to wonder whether they can…
A kid friendly dentist provides essential dental care while creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for young patients. These professionals understand the unique needs of children and focus on preventative and restorative care that supports long-term oral health. Establishing positive experiences at an early age helps children develop lifelong oral hygiene habits and reduces anxiety…
Most patients know they should visit their family dentist every six months for a checkup. It is not recommended to skip these biannual checkups, even if you have great oral health. Dentists provide not only restorative treatments to correct oral health conditions but also preventive treatments to help patients avoid those conditions in the first…