An Emergency Dentist Can Save Your Smile

Aug 4
07:43

2011

Andrea Avery

Andrea Avery

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In a few short moments, your entire smile could be damaged due to trauma or disease. Not only are dental problems painful, but they can also alter your appearance. An emergency dentist can help save your teeth and gums so that your smile won't suffer.

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If you had a broken leg you would go to the ER so why not treat your teeth with the same respect? An emergency dentist can help soothe toothaches,An Emergency Dentist Can Save Your Smile	 Articles repair gums, replace dislodged or chipped teeth, and treat oral abscesses. Allowing problems to fester will result in potential damage to surrounding teeth and gums or an inability to repair the injury. It may seem expensive, but saving your tooth now is much cheaper than buying an implant later on, which could cost you hundreds or thousands. 

When choosing an emergency dentist, you probably don't have a lot of time to waste. The Internet or phonebook is the easiest place to start and can direct you to the nearest office within minutes, and time is of the essence if you have lost a tooth. If you have a bit more time, ask friends and family for recommendations and check pricing as it can vary greatly. You should also consult your insurance carrier for a list of locations approved for coverage. If you are uninsured, you should inquire about a sliding scale of payment if available or installment options. Most dental offices will be willing to work with you if you are upfront about your financial situation. 

The most common reason for a visit to an emergency dentist is to treat a toothache. The reasons for pain can vary greatly from a simple sensitivity to heat or cold or the beginnings of gingivitis. Before rushing off to the professionals, you can try to control the pain through over-the-counter medication, switching toothpastes, and adhering to better hygiene rituals. If the condition worsens or persists for several days without change, then an urgent visit should be considered. Profuse bleeding that can't be staunched may be due to injury and require stitches to stop potential infection and promote healing. If you experience any sudden sharp and unusual pains, it is better to visit without delay as it could signify an abscess that requires removal. 

Another reason people require urgent dental attention is losing or chipping a tooth. When a tooth is knocked out due to an outside trauma, quick action can save it. The tooth should be located and placed in a cup of milk, saliva from the owner, or saline solution. The patient may also keep the tooth secured in their mouth if no container is available. Bleeding should be staunched, and if the root hasn't been severed, the dislodged tooth can be gently placed back into the socket and held there until an emergency dentist can be contacted. There is no time to delay as an hour or two following dislodgement may already be too late to repair the tooth. Chips have a less likely chance of being repaired naturally and will likely require a crown. Larger chips that splinter from the base should be saved, however, and brought in as there is a small chance they can be bonded back into place. But even smaller chips shouldn't be left untreated for long as jagged edges can cut the mouth and gums or cause further breakage.

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