There are many types of dental emergencies, whether from an accident or an unexplained painful flare up of a long-standing condition. All of these require prompt evaluation and care from a dentist who is specially trained to deal with dental trauma and conditions that can’t wait. Delaying care could lead to additional pain, damage and cost.
The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to follow a regimen of oral hygiene that includes regular checkups and a healthy diet. It is also wise to have a good dental insurance plan that allows you to maximize your benefits and provides coverage for preventative procedures such as dental cleanings, exams and dental X-rays.
However, the reality is that dental injuries and infections can happen despite your best efforts to take care of your teeth and gums. When accidents occur, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish what qualifies as a dental emergency and what doesn’t.
A severe toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies and requires immediate attention from an emergency dentist to alleviate the pain and reduce the risk of further complications. Oftentimes, an infection or abscess is the result of untreated tooth decay or dental injury and will only worsen if left alone. An emergency dentist can lance and drain the abscess, relieve the pain and swelling and prevent the infection from spreading.
Other dental emergencies that should be treated as soon as possible include cracked or broken teeth, knocked-out or loose teeth. Injuries to the lips, gums, inside of the cheeks and tongue also warrant urgent dental care as they are delicate tissue that can become infected and bleed easily. To protect the injured tissues, rinse with warm water and apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
Injuries to the jaw and face can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Seeing an emergency dentist as soon as possible can reduce the risk of fracture and swelling and help prevent the possibility of bone loss.
Even a small chipped or fractured tooth can cause pain and is an emergency, because the remaining intact tooth can be saved and lessen the expense of a full replacement tooth down the road.
It’s important to know the difference between a dental emergency and something that can be addressed at home, so patients can avoid going to a hospital ER for treatment when it isn’t necessary. Many times, going to the ER for a dental problem can be more costly than visiting a Northbrook emergency dentist right away. It is also a good idea to have a comprehensive dental insurance plan that covers emergency care and has low co-pays. Visit the best dentist Northbrook, IL today to learn more about our dental insurance plans and to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you manage your dental needs.