You suddenly find yourself in immense pain after suffering a cracked tooth. You are trying not to panic, but you are unsure of where to turn. If this is a situation you want to avoid, it is important that you know who you can reach out to for help. The following article will explain how to find an emergency dentist right away.
What is the First Step When Experiencing a Dental Emergency?
No matter the type of dental injury you incur, it is important that your first step consists of calling your emergency dentist. To determine who this might be, you can start with your general dental professional. Most practices offer services that are dedicated to patients in immediate need. Identifying whether they provide this type of service is the best place to start.
How Should You Handle a Dental Emergency Outside Normal Business Hours?
Whether your dentist offers same-day appointments or not, you will need to know what to do should you injure your mouth after normal business hours. Evening and weekend accidents can occur, which means knowing how to take care of your smile in the meantime is essential.
Depending on the type of injury, you can usually take an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize discomfort. Also, avoiding hard foods and chewing on that side of your mouth is helpful. You will also want to be sure that you bring any broken pieces with you, if possible, to your appointment.
How Can an Emergency Dentist Help?
One of the best things about visiting an emergency dentist for help is that they understand how to treat most injuries with effective restorative solutions. While many assume that visiting a local ER is the best option, the truth is that you are likely to spend countless hours waiting for help from someone who cannot deliver the same type of quality care.
When meeting with an emergency dentist, you will undergo diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the problem area before a complete treatment plan is formulated. Then, your dentist will get to work to eliminate the pain and treat the damaged area so that your smile looks and functions normally again.
Some of the most common treatment options for dental emergencies include:
- Dental fillings
- Dental crowns
- Periodontal therapy
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth extraction
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
- Veneers
- Cosmetic bonding
No matter the injury, it is always best to identify an emergency dentist who can help before an accident ever occurs. Not only will this reduce the chances of panic, but it will offer reassurance in your time of need.
About the Practice
DuPont Family Dentistry has four dental professionals who all strive to meet the same goal, which is to help patients achieve happier, healthier smiles. Offering emergency dental services to those in need, we aim to provide same-day care using safe and effective restorative treatments. Contact us at (253) 964-7000 if you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency and is in need of help.