You never know when a dental emergency will come up. One day you may find yourself typing “Emergency Dentist Near Me” because of a sudden tooth pain or a crack in the middle of your Sunday lunch.
In any case, you need to see a dentist right away. Here are some steps to take during dental emergencies:
STEP 1: EASE YOUR PAIN WHILE YOU FIND PROFESSIONAL HELP
There are a few things you can do to relieve your pain and calm down before making a dental emergency call:
- Apply hot or cold pads on the affected area to alleviate the swelling and pain. Try cold or hot to see which is working best for you.
- Rinse your mouth with water or by using a soft mouthwash (best without alcohol). This will help your mouth keep clean and prevent it from further infection.
- If pain is very strong, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller to ease the pain and avoid more swelling.
STEP 2: DETERMINE IF THIS IS A TRUE DENTAL EMERGENCY
Before calling an emergency dentist, make sure assess your pain level. A pain scale or chart helps you determine how bad the pain is and what you should do next.
So if your pain level is from 1 to 3, this is considered minor and most likely you can wait.
A moderate pain level (ratings 4 to 6) could interfere with your daily activities. If you suffer from moderate pain, you should probably see a doctor sooner than later.
A 7 to 10 pain level is considered severe and can seriously affect your autonomy and ability to conduct your usual business. If you are in this category, you should see a professional right away.
STEP 3: FIGURE OUT IF YOU SHOULD ACT ON YOUR DENTAL EMERGENCY RIGHT AWAY
There are some instances in which you may be experiencing pain or discomfort, but you are not really sure if it is a true dental emergency. Schedule an appointment right away if you suffer from one or more of the following common dental issues or symptoms:
- A Knocked out tooth
- A fractured root
- Severe bleeding
- A broken or cracked tooth
- Tooth pain or swelling
- Tooth Abscess
If you are experiencing any of these dental problems, don´t hesitate to make a dental emergency call. The sooner you get your mouth checked, the fewer complications you will have in the long run.
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STEP 4: FIND A ‘EMERGENCY DENTIST NEAR ME OPEN NOW’
It will be easy to find an emergency dentist on weekdays and during business hours. However, it might be hard to find one at weekends or after business hours.
When a dental emergency comes up, you should try to contact your dentist first. If there are no openings available, ask them to refer you out to someone they know and trust.
Try to call even after business hours because most dental offices typically have a recorded message to refer you out in case of a true dental emergency.
If you don’t happen to have a dentist and you are a new patient, go online and search for “dentist near me for emergency” or “emergency dental care” and search for dentists that are located near you, whose offices are open and most importantly, that have good reviews online.
If you can’t find a dentist or be referred out, go to the ER and see what they can do until you get to see your personal dentist. They can perform certain dental procedures (such as extractions) or prescribe stronger pain medication to help you cope with the pain.
FINAL WORDS: MINIMIZING THE RISKS OF A DENTAL EMERGENCY
Many times dental emergencies can be preventable. Follow these tips to avoid unnecessary trips to the dentist:
- Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
- Do not use your teeth to cut things – use scissors, instead.
- Get regular dental care including cleanings and exams
- If you have a broken tooth but no pain, go to your dentist right away. You don’t want the problem to get worse.
EMERGENCY DENTIST NEAR ME FAQ
What Should I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency but No Insurance?
With no insurance, some people try dental schools or government clinics that offer free or low-cost services. However, if you are not sure about trying these, you can call a trustworthy dental office near you and ask for payment options such as care credit or in-house financing. Payment options allow you to pay in installments (many times interest-free) and afford treatment with a reliable and highly qualified emergency dental team.
How Can I Find an Emergency Dentist in Palm Beach County?
To find an emergency dentist in Palm Beach County, you can simply google Emergency Dentist in + city and a couple of options for emergency dentists will appear based on your location. Make sure you choose someone with good credentials and positive reviews. If you’re in Delray Beach, Boca Raton Boynton Beach or even West Palm Beach, you can write us at contact@oceanbreezeprosthodontics.com or call 561-279-6999. We can either see you as soon as possible without an appointment or refer you to a dentist emergency close to your home.
What If the Pain Goes Away Before My Dental Visit?
Pain is usually the main reason why people make emergency dental visits. But sometimes, the pain you feel may fade away after a short time. Or maybe, you get a chipped tooth or crown, or even a filling that comes out but you feel no pain at all. And because there is no strong pain involved you probably tend to postpone your visit. Well, that’s the last thing you should do. Pain may go away but infection or disease may still be developing in your tooth. If your teeth get decay, you will eventually need a root canal (or worse, an extraction) as the infection reaching your roots or nerves get worse and worse. So even if you don’t feel severe tooth pain, if you experience a crack, an abscess, or your tooth are knocked out, try to make an immediate visit to your dentist or have you seen by an emergency dentist in your area.
