You can never quite prepare for a dental emergency. When one happens, you need an emergency dentist in Virginia Beach. With time of the utmost importance, you cannot wait until your next routine appointment. Do not worry. Dr. Patel is always here for you. He has extensive experience treating dental emergencies to get you the relief you need quickly. With same-day appointments available, he will stop your pain and restore your smile, so you can get back to enjoying your day.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Although you never expect one to happen to you, 1 in 6 Americans face a dental emergency every year. Sometimes, they occur suddenly due to trauma or injury. In other cases, they result from an untreated issue, like an untreated cavity or an infection. No matter the cause, you need to react to the situation at home and then call your dentist right away.
While dental emergencies can take many forms, here are the most common ones and what you should do to help save your tooth.
Toothache
A sudden, severe toothache is often a sign of an infection that requires immediate care. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage your discomfort. Dr. Patel will find the cause of your pain and provide you with the treatment you need, like a root canal.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth must be treated to prevent infection and further damage. It is best to keep the tooth clean and avoid placing pressure on it until after it is repaired. Often, Dr. Patel can fix it; however, if it is too badly damaged, the tooth may need to be removed.
Knocked-Out Tooth
With quick care, a knocked-out tooth can often be saved. Hold it by the crown and rinse it with water, but do not use any soaps, cleaners, or scrub it. Try to reinsert it back into the socket. If you cannot, place it in a cup of milk or water. If your tooth has only been knocked out of position, gently try to push it back into place.
Lost Filling or Crown
Do not try to rebond the restoration to your tooth. Instead, keep your tooth clean and use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage your discomfort.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Although you cannot fully prevent a dental emergency, there are several things you can due to help reduce your risk for one, including:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss nightly.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Do not ignore any dental pain or sensitivity.
Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
There are several factors that influence the cost of dental emergencies, like the treatment that is needed. In some cases, the only cost may be a prescription, while more severe situations may require a restorative treatment, like a root canal or an extraction. Often, we can use your dental insurance to help lower the cost.
If you have a dental emergency, do not waste time Googling “where is a dentist near me?” Instead, call a dental team who is always there for you. Contact Lakeshore Dental today for a same-day appointment.
Emergency Dentistry FAQ’s
Dental emergencies can
be traumatic, and since they can never be planned for, the knowledge that you have about them may be what
saves your smile when disaster strikes. We’ve found that a lot of patients have additional questions
about dental emergencies, which is why we’ve included some FAQs with their answers for your
convenience. Read on to get the answers to the most commonly asked questions about dental emergencies.
How Do I Know When I Have a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is typically characterized by pain, swelling, and of course, discomfort. Unlike other health issues that heal over time, dental problems tend to get worse if left untreated. If you’re in pain and you can’t do anything to remedy the situation, you’re experiencing a dental emergency. It’s important to note that emergencies aren’t limited to injuries, but they can actually occur through infection or even problems with your gums.
How Should I Remove an Object Caught Between My Teeth?
If it’s a piece of food or another small object that is wedged in between your teeth, try gently flossing around the area to remove the debris. You can also swish around warm water in your mouth to try to dislodge the item—just be careful not to swallow if it’s not food. Avoid using anything sharp or other everyday items to remove the object. If you can’t get it out with floss, call our dental office right away to get the help that you need.
How Should I Deal with Noticeable Swelling?
If the swelling is caused by an infection, especially if it’s causing difficulty breathing, visit our dental office immediately because you may need antibiotics. If you’ve experienced dental injury or trauma that can cause swelling, apply a cold compress on the outside of your face to ease pain and discomfort.
Should I Be Concerned About Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Foods?
While tooth sensitivity is a normal and even common issue, you should still contact our dental office to schedule an appointment with a dentist if you’re experiencing it. You could have receding gums (a common sign of gum disease) or tooth decay that is exposing the sensitive nerves inside of your tooth.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Thanks to modern dentistry, root canals are now a relatively painless procedure. In fact, they’re used today mostly to get patients out of pain. This is a common treatment that emergency dentists use for patients with toothaches or infections. It allows us to relieve your discomfort while also avoiding tooth extraction.