Most of us are accustomed to visiting the dentist every six months. Getting into good habits early on and going for routine check-ups becomes second nature, and dental emergencies should be few and far between. But, that doesn’t mean you mustn’t prepare yourself and ensure you are equipped for any eventuality. This may include your dentist going out of business or relocating, meaning that you will need to find a new one for the whole family. A way to start this off will be to Google key phrases such as ‘the best dentist near me in…’ and see what it comes up with so you are not left high and dry.
Fortunately, if you do need an emergency dentist in Sydney, it won’t be just you who is fully prepared. Your dentist will also make provision for your arrival and ensure they are equipped to deal with unexpected issues. So, if something does happen, you should call your dentist first. Depending on how severe your situation is, they will usually be able to fit you in on the same day. Also, most dentists, like this winnipeg dentist, will have an emergency out-of-hours contact number along with their regular reception number, so it is worth making sure to have both numbers on hand.
After all, if you do need to see an emergency dentist, you will realize that time truly is of the essence. Fortunately, most dentists do offer after-hours services at least six days of the week.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
There are a range of situations that can constitute a dental emergency, and the experience can certainly be frightening and painful, which is why dentists do their best to see emergency patients as soon as they possibly can. Usually, a dental practice will see both new and registered patients who have an emergency.
So, let’s take a closer look at some of the scenarios that fall into the category of a dental emergency and what a dentist may do to help you.
- Dental Abscesses and Toothaches
A painful toothache that comes on suddenly, either with or without a dental abscess, can be intolerable. The dentist will help relieve the excruciating pain, but be aware that you may need a follow-up appointment or two to fully restore your oral health.
- A Lost Tooth
It’s not unusual for a tooth to be knocked out in an accident or due to an injury. If you have lost a tooth, contact your dentist as early as you can. If you still have the tooth and it has not been broken, it is important that you keep it clean. Only pick the tooth up by its crown – the part you usually see in your mouth, and try not to touch the root. If you do need to clean the tooth, you can rinse it in cold water and place it in a clean container covered by a little milk or even your own saliva. There are some instances where the dentist may be able to re-implant the tooth into its socket. If not, there are a variety of tooth replacement options to choose from.
- A Broken Tooth
Even if you tooth has been slightly chipped, it is important to book an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. The dentist may be able to rebuild the tooth with a tooth-coloured filling for you.
If any of those instances occur, contact a trusted emergency dentist immediately.