Unfortunately, many people put off dental treatment. Then, when an emergency strikes, they end up in the ER, rather than the dentist’s office. Yet at the ER, very little treatment is received. Typically, patients are given a painkiller and an antibiotic, before being discharged and advised to contact their dentist! Here’s how to prevent unnecessary, expensive ER visits and what you should do if you experience a dental emergency.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies typically occur suddenly and result in a lot of pain. If you’re experiencing the following, consider it an emergency that should be treated by our office right away:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Permanent teeth that have been knocked out by an accident
- A severe toothache that won’t go away
- Unusual swelling
- Chronic jaw pain
If you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is a dental emergency, call our office and ask. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your oral health.
How Can I Avoid a Dental Emergency?
There are a number of things you can do to prevent the types of injuries we’re talking about. We recommend you do the following to keep your teeth in top shape:
- Brush and Floss Regularly. Dental emergencies can crop up when people don’t practice routine care. Your dental care should include daily flossing and brushing twice a day for 2 minutes at a time with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Additionally, you should visit us every 6 months for dental checkups.
- Wear a Mouthguard. If you play contact sports, a mouthguard is a must. Sports injuries are one of the most common causes of dental emergencies.
- Watch What You Chew. Teeth are often chipped by hard candies, ice, and popcorn kernels. Avoid biting into hard, crunchy items like these. Along those same lines, please don’t use your teeth as tools. Sure, they might seem like the perfect tool for opening that tricky food package, but we recommend you grab a scissors instead.
- Don’t Ignore Problems. If you’re experiencing a toothache or increased sensitivity, don’t ignore the issue. Dental problems that can be easily treated at their onset only grow worse with time.
If I Experience a Dental Emergency, What Should I Do?
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please call May Family Dental immediately. If you’re in Logan, you can reach our Logan office at 740.385.2631. If you’re closer to Zanesville, contact our Zanesville office at 740.452.5441.
When you reach our office, we’ll get you in to see one of our dentists right away. It’s our goal to keep you as comfortable as possible until that occurs, so we’ll also give you advice on how to handle your emergency until you see Dr. Bryan May or Dr. DeWitt May.
One of the best ways to avoid emergencies is to come in to our office for regular 6-month checkups. If you’re due for an appointment, scheduling one is easy! Simply click here to access our online appointment request form or call us.
