You probably never expect a dental emergency to happen to you, but 1 in 6 Americans face this situation annually. If you aren’t prepared for the unexpected, a stressful day can become more challenging as you search for an emergency dentist. If you need an appointment right away, don’t panic. Here’s how to find an emergency dentist in a hurry.
Tips for Finding an Emergency Dentist
As with any type of emergency, time is of the utmost importance. Although you can find several dentists with a simple Google search, not all may be right for you. While there isn’t any shortage of dentists, here are 6 tips to find the best one for your needs:
- Ask friends and family for recommendations.
- Review their office hours to ensure they offer same-day appointments.
- Look at the dentist’s training and qualifications.
- Check to see if the dentist is a member of any professional organizations, like the American Dental Association.
- Review their services to ensure they can provide the care you need without being referred to another location.
- Look to see if they accept your dental insurance.
- Review their payment options to keep your treatment affordable.
- Contact the dentist to explain the situation, so they can get you into the office quickly.
Managing Your Dental Emergency At Home
While waiting for your appointment, you can take several steps at home to protect your smile and manage any discomfort. Depending on your situation, here’s how to provide first-aid for common dental emergencies:
- Knocked Out Tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it with water before inserting it into the socket. If you aren’t successful, place the tooth in a closed container of milk.
- Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with salt water to kill bacteria and reduce swelling and inflammation. Avoid chewing with your tooth until after it has been repaired.
- Toothache: Take an OTC pain reliever to reduce your discomfort.
- Lost Restoration: Leave the mending for the professionals. Instead, keep your mouth clean and eat softer foods.
- Dislodged Tooth: Gently push the tooth back in position and bite on a piece of gauze to prevent it from moving.
Don’t Wait to See an Emergency Dentist
Although no one has time for an unplanned trip to their dentist, don’t delay getting care. If you wait too long, you might lose your tooth. Your dentist will get you into the office quickly to address your pain and assess your mouth. They’ll create the personalized plan you need to rehabilitate your smile so you can get back to more important matters.
Keep the dentist’s phone number handy in case you have another dental emergency down the road. You can make a stressful situation easier with a little preparation.
About Dr. Albert Silvera
Dr. Silvera earned his dental degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry and pursued higher education in advanced specialties to provide a wide scope of services. As a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, he provides the high-quality care you can trust. If you need an emergency dentist, contact our office today.