subject: The Emergency Dentist - Common Reasons For A Visit [print this page] Though treated far less seriously by the media, sudden dental trauma can be every bit as serious as many of the issues that bring people into the ER every day. Unfortunately, in many places you can't go to the ER for something that begins and ends with your teeth. While you can always go to the hospital for antibiotics in the case of an infection, most dental problems of this type really require the attention of an emergency dentist. What, you may be wondering, are some of the common injuries and problems that bring people to such a point? Here are the big ones:
Toothache
This is by far the most common reason someone will seek out an emergency dentist. If you've been lucky enough to avoid a serious toothache, you may not be able to fully understand the level of pain involved. It is enough to bring a grown man to tears, and it is certainly enough reason to think about seeing a dental professional immediately. If swelling or a fever accompanies the pain, there may be an infection involved. There are plenty of analgesics and toothache remedies both in the drugstore and between the pages of home remedy books, but these should only be temporary measures until you can get treatment.
Broken Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth should not be ignored until you have a chance to get in for your regular dental appointment. A tooth that has been knocked out definitely needs the quick attention of an emergency dentist if you want to have any chance of saving it. Try to save any pieces of a broken tooth (or the entire tooth if it has been dislodged). Find some gauze and apply it to the area to keep it from bleeding too much. Rinse the removed tooth off and place it in a glass of milk. If you don't have milk, a small amount of salt water will do. Most dental experts say that your window of opportunity when it comes to saving the tooth is under one hour, so don't delay your treatment.
Other Common Issues
Of course, these aren't the only problems that require the attention of an emergency dentist. If you've lost a filling, broken a crown, or broken your braces, you may need to see a dental professional as soon as possible, if not right away. You may also need to go in for treatment should you encounter trauma to any other part of the jaw or gums. Make a call to your favored emergency dentist and see what he or she has to say.
