Whether it’s a toothache that won’t go away or a knocked-out tooth from a sports mishap, dental emergencies are distressing. They can also be costly if left untreated. Prompt treatment from an emergency dentist can alleviate the pain, prevent infections and preserve existing teeth. If you’re unsure where to turn for help, you can call your regular dentist or head to the hospital’s emergency room. The latter isn’t always the best option, however. Emergency rooms aren’t set up to handle dental issues, and you’re likely to end up with a big bill for what could have been a small problem had you gone directly to a dentist instead.
Not all dental issues are considered emergencies, so deciding what to do when you’re in trouble can be confusing. In general, anything that requires immediate attention to stop bleeding or severe pain, save a knocked out tooth or treat an infection is considered a dental emergency. Other emergency situations include loose or missing teeth, problems with previous dental work (like crowns and bridges), and severe jaw pain that won’t subside.
How to Know When You Need Emergency Dental Care
Most dental emergencies are avoidable with appropriate oral hygiene, six monthly cleanings and exams, and routine checkups. However, many people aren’t proactive with their oral health, so some unfortunate accidents do happen. When these incidents occur, they often catch people by surprise. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening. In others, they can cause a lot of discomfort and stress before they’re treated.
While most dental emergencies can be prevented, not everyone has a dentist close by or the money to pay for emergency treatments right away. This is why it’s important to prepare ahead of time by keeping a dental office’s phone number handy, and making sure your health insurance policy includes emergency coverage.
The First Steps of Emergency Dental Care
Taking the first steps in emergency dental care can be overwhelming, but it’s essential that you take action as soon as possible. Before you can schedule an appointment, it’s important to assess the situation and understand the severity of your condition.
The most important thing to remember is that you should never ignore a dental problem, even if it seems minor. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the problem will worsen and lead to additional costs and possibly serious consequences.
In the case of a dental emergency, call your local Torrance emergency dentist for advice and treatment options. Make sure to mention any relevant details like your current oral health, dental history, and symptoms to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. In addition, you should always contact a dentist who accepts your dental insurance and offers payment plans to those without coverage. Personal recommendations from friends and family members can be incredibly helpful in finding an emergency dentist that’s right for you. Ideally, you should be able to get in for treatment the same day. For more information on how to protect your teeth, visit https://www.thetorrancedentist.net/.