Are You Prepared For A Dental Emergency?
We are so excited that June has arrived and the official start of summer is coming soon. Summer is such an exciting time, full of vacations, day trips, swimming, and fun with family and friends. While we hope you have the best summer ever, we know that a dental emergency can occur at any time. We know it’s not fun to learn about dental emergencies, but we feel it is important to know what to do should a problem arise. Read on to learn more important information about dental emergencies.
What is a Dental Emergency?
While we always hope our patients have optimal oral health, that is not always the case. Just as with any emergency, a dental emergency can occur at any time or place. A dental emergency is anything out of the ordinary that deals with your dental health. If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency, the number one thing to remember is to remain calm. The first step is to assess the problem and determine where the emergency is located in your mouth. A dental emergency can be anything from severe pain or discomfort to a tooth that has been knocked out. Other examples of dental emergencies include:
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Abscess
- Mouth injury that is bleeding relentlessly and won’t stop
- Crown or filling that has fallen out
- Severely bitten lip or tongue
- Excruciating pain
- Trauma to the front teeth and gums
How to Prevent a Dental Emergency
Certain emergencies, such as falls, cannot always be prevented, but there are many that can. The best way to prevent an emergency is to visit our office regularly for an oral hygiene examination. During these visits, we look for problem areas in the mouth, such as decay, and make treatment recommendations. When treatment is delayed, problems can develop further and lead to an emergency.
If you have a dental emergency, it is extremely important to remain calm and assess the situation. For anything severe, we recommend heading to the nearest emergency room. If you are traveling, we suggest calling the office, which is located in Houston, TX, and we will instruct you on what to do next. We hope you have a happy and healthy start to your summer, and we will see you in our office soon!
