Dental emergencies can be costly and are usually not covered by dental insurance. This is why it is important to understand what the overall costs are before you have an unexpected emergency. It is also a good idea to know what to expect during your visit so that you can prepare.
There are several different types of dental emergencies that can happen. Some are life threatening and require immediate medical attention like jaw fractures or dislocations. Other dental emergencies are less serious but still warrant urgent treatment such as severe tooth pain or a loose and painful wisdom tooth. Still, others can be prevented with better oral hygiene or a timely visit to the dentist.
The first thing you should do in any dental emergency is call your dentist immediately. If they do not answer, leave a message with a brief description of your symptoms including what caused them. This will help the office staff prioritize your case and determine if it requires immediate attention.
Many times, the first step in treating a dental emergency is to alleviate pain and protect the damaged area. If you have a broken or chipped tooth, for example, you should rinse your mouth with warm water, cover any jagged edges with wax or sugar-free chewing gum to prevent them from cutting the inside of your cheek, and avoid eating hard or crunchy foods until you get to the dentist.
You can also try to keep the broken tooth in its socket if possible. This will increase the chances of saving it and will help reduce swelling. Finally, it is a good idea to use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen until you can get to the dentist.
When you finally make it to the dentist, it is very important to be as detailed as possible in describing your symptoms. This will help the dentist determine the cause of your pain and work to fix it quickly. The longer an issue goes untreated, the more likely it is to worsen and lead to more expensive treatment.
In some cases, the dentist will not be able to completely treat your dental issue during your emergency visit. During your appointment, the dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums in the meantime until you can come back for a more thorough treatment.
While the cost of an unexpected dental emergency can be expensive, it is also important to remember that these incidents are often a result of poor oral hygiene or accidents. In order to minimize the risk of dental emergencies, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. You should also schedule regular visits to a Northbrook dental clinic for cleanings and examinations. These will help prevent cavities and other common dental issues that can be the root of emergency situations. To learn more about preventing dental emergencies, contact us today!