When a medical emergency arises, it can be a challenging thing to process. For many individuals, their first instinct is to visit the hospital, which is most often the correct course of action. However, in the case of a dental emergency, it is a better idea to visit an emergency dentist near you instead.
Should You Visit the Emergency Room?
Many people often visit the hospital for oral health issues. For many of those people, the ER was their best chance for care due to the costs of dental care. However, in most cases, hospitals can only provide routine health care when it comes to dental emergencies, and they are not equipped to address emergencies such as chipped or broken teeth. If you visit a hospital for emergency dentistry near you, the ER team will stabilize your condition, control bleeding, and provide pain control.
Where Should You Go Instead?
When you seek emergency dentistry in Fort Saskatchewan, the best place to start is by visiting your family dentist. Dental emergencies are urgent, but the most imminent problem is likely pain rather than the risk of serious infection. It is essential to remember to stay calm and call your dentist first. If your emergency happens during business hours, it will be easy for your dentist to assist you, and they may even be able to get you in for an appointment that day.
There are a couple of things you can do while waiting to see a dentist in Fort Saskatchewan, depending on the nature of your dental emergency. Regardless of the issue, you must act quickly. Here are some tips for handling some common dental emergencies:
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have gotten a tooth knocked out while playing sports or from a fall, then the key to saving your tooth is immediate action. It is best to pick up the knocked-out tooth by its crown and avoid touching the sensitive tissue. Next, rinse the tooth with water, and if possible, place it back into its socket. If you cannot get the tooth back into its socket, place it into a shallow container of milk to preserve it and make your way to a dental clinic right away.
Dental Abscess
Tooth abscesses are serious infections that happen around the tooth root or in between the teeth and gums. If you suspect that you have a dental abscess, contact your dentist as soon as possible for treatment. Look out for a painful lump around your teeth and gums, which is the most visible sign of a dental abscess. Until you can see your dentist, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution each day to help fight off infection and alleviate your painful symptoms.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold substances. If your tooth is bleeding, apply a small amount of pressure on it with a clean piece of gauze. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce any swelling. If your chip is small enough, your dentist will be able to fill the missing portion in with filling material. If the break is larger, then your dentist can provide other restorative and cosmetic dentistry options.
Visit Fort Smiles Dental Centre
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, our team of dedicated dental professionals at Fort Smiles Dental Centre is happy to assist you in any way possible. We are fully equipped to help you handle any dental emergency you may face, and we will do our best to accommodate you as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to visit us today!