We all know that dental emergencies can happen at any time. You could be eating dinner and suddenly crack or chip a tooth, or you could develop a painful toothache in the middle of the night. Whatever the dental emergency, it’s important to know what steps to take to get the urgent dental care you need. This post from will outline what to do if you experience a dental emergency and need an emergency dentist near you.
- Assess the Situation
First, assess the dental emergency. Is it a chipped or cracked tooth? A lost filling? A painful toothache? Determine what type of dental issue you’re experiencing so you can best address the problem. For example, if you crack or chip a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and put a cold compress on your face to minimize any swelling.
- Contact Your Dentist
Next, contact your dentist’s office even if they are closed. Many dentists have emergency after-hours helplines or answering services that can get in touch with the dentist on call. Explain your dental issue and symptoms in detail so the dentist can recommend the appropriate care based on the severity of your emergency.
- Find an Emergency Dentist Near You
If you can’t get in touch with your regular dentist, look for an emergency dentist near you who can see you right away. Search online for “emergency dentist near me open now” or “urgent dental care near me.” Look for emergency dental clinics, hospitals, or practices with extended hours that take walk-ins for dental emergencies. You can also call your local dental society for referrals.
- Manage Pain at Home
While you wait to be seen by the emergency dentist, focus on managing dental pain and swelling at home. Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain. Apply cold compresses to minimize swelling. Be gentle with the injured tooth and the surrounding area. Avoid chewing on it, and rinse very softly if needed.
- Be Prepared to Describe the Symptoms
After arriving at the emergency dental appointment, be ready to describe your symptoms in detail. Inform them exactly which tooth hurts, when the pain began, and what makes it better or worse. Bring a list of any medications you take. These details will help the emergency dentist diagnose the problem and determine the right treatment.
- Get Ongoing Dental Care
Once the dental emergency has been addressed, don’t neglect your oral health! Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams every 6 months to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent future dental emergencies. Maintaining your oral health should be a top priority.
Bottom Line
Dealing with a dental emergency can be stressful and painful. Fortunately, by knowing what steps to take, you can promptly get the urgent dental care you need from an emergency dentist near you. Contact Carrum Downs Dental Group if you ever have any dental concerns – we’re always available to help with exceptional dental care.
