What to Do Following a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies are as painful and frightening as any other physical health emergency. Dental emergencies usually result from injury to your face, fracture, biting on complex objects, grinding, and other issues. Immediate treatment is essential to eliminate the pain and recover properly. 

The pain following dental emergencies can become worse if it is left untreated. For example, you opened a bottle with your teeth, and you experienced severe pain. Later you realize your tooth is missing or chipped, and the pain still persists. It is always best to see an emergency dentist in Phoenix in such a situation.

Steps to take if you are in a dental emergency. 

• Do not panic and remain calm.

It is normal to panic and be scared when you experience a dental emergency. However, try to remain calm so you can follow the following steps properly. Try a few breathing exercises to relieve stress and proceed to follow the other steps mentioned ahead. 

• Call your dentist right away and book an appointment.

If you can, call your dentist right away and book an appointment. If you do not have a family dentist or a dentist you know, look for the best dentist in your locality. Let them know you have a dental emergency and need an appointment as quickly as possible. 

• Grab tissues or cloth.

If you experience bleeding, grab tissues or cloth nearby. Remember, do not use dirty cloth as it can give rise to bacterial infection in your gums or teeth. Apply gauze to the bleeding area until the bleeding stops. 

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.

Warm water can be helpful to eliminate any swelling or bacterial infection. Thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water after facing a dental emergency. 

• Use cold or hot compression to eliminate the swelling.

Sometimes swelling can come up immediately along with intensive pain. If possible, use cold or hot compression to eliminate the swelling and pain. 

• Use over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain.

If you cannot get a dentist appointment immediately and the pain is intense, you can visit the nearest pharmacy and purchase over-the-counter pain relievers. These medications will help in relieving the pain until you visit the dentist. 

If your pain is extreme, avoid driving to the dentist yourself. Ask your family or a friend to take you to the dentist. Often dental pain can be intense and affect your driving. You do not want to get into a car crash and get additional problems than you are already experiencing.