Visit an Emergency Dentist for Acute Dental Problems

America is full of top-notch hospitals with renowned services for the injured and sick. When an accident happens, an ambulance is called and the victim is whisked off to a nearby facility to have his injuries cared for. But what happens if you wake up in the middle of the night with an abscessed tooth or end up with a tooth knocked out as a result of some sort of accident? If this happens, you should seek the help of an emergency dentist.

An emergency dentist is a dental professional who specializes in treating patients during times of acute distress. Sometimes these things happen after hours or on the weekends. If your normal doctor is not available you still need to be treated quickly and with accuracy because the problem will typically worsen instead of get better. Here are a couple of dental emergencies that might have you seeking help.

One common dental problem is an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth occurs when there is some sort of infection between the gums and the teeth or at the tooth's root. This can happen due to poor hygiene, but it can also result from general tooth decay or recent trauma. If you have a severe toothache and swollen, painful gums, you may need immediate attention. Neglecting the infection will only worsen the situation, and the infection could spread. It is best to have the infection treated as soon as possible. Using various methods, your emergency dentist will drain the infection care for the surrounding teeth and gums. Antibiotics are often prescribed to stop the infection from spreading.

Another common dental problem that needs urgent attention is a knocked out or broken tooth. You cannot predict with something will occur causing injury to your mouth and teeth. Many times athletes are injured during a game or sporting event, and need to be seen immediately. Accidents can occur in homes and businesses as well. If your tooth is knocked out or broken, try to find the tooth and bring it with you to the office.

The final dental problem to address is the toothache. A toothache is generalized pain of one or more teeth. Sometimes this is an indicator that you need a root canal or other major procedure. Other times you may just have a cavity that needs to be filled. Either way, when you are in pain you may not be able to wait until your regular dental office can get you in. An emergency dentist is equipped to diagnose and treat your toothache and get you on the road to recovery in a short amount of time.

An emergency dentist should not replace your normal dental office, just as an urgent care center should not take the place of your family physician. It is still important to seek regular treatment and dental cleanings from your primary dentist.