The Most Common Dental Emergencies and How to Treat Them
February 22, 2016
Everybody has experienced the horror of sudden pain at some point in their lives, but if your pain is caused by a dental problem, your options for relief can be limited. Dental emergencies are not only painful. They can have major health consequences if not treated promptly. A general dentist who is on-call can typically treat you, but there are a few vital actions you can take while you are waiting for treatment that can minimize pain and injury.
You Might Need to Call a Dentist If…
It might be hard to tell when you have a true emergency on your hands or when it can wait until the next day. If the problem prohibits you from continuing normal activities like walking or talking, you should certainly call for emergency dental care in Northglenn, CO. The following symptoms are also reason enough to seek out emergency dental care:
- Swelling
- Loose or lost tooth
- Severe toothache
- Trauma to teeth
Swelling can indicate that you have an abscess at risk of erupting, loose teeth should be treated immediately in an effort to save them and trauma and toothaches that come with severe pain should be treated in order to alleviate the pain. All of these circumstances are reasons to consult with a general dentist as soon as possible.
What to Do While Waiting for Treatment
If you realize you are in need of emergency dental care in Northglenn, CO, your next step will be finding a dentist and receiving treatment. The time spent waiting for care can be torture, but there are a few steps you can take to mitigate the situation:
- Hold a cold compress to your face
- If you are bleeding, clean up blood and apply cotton or gauze to the wound
- Use warm water to rinse out mouth
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medication
These actions should hold you over until you are able to get help. The dental professionals at Mountain View Family Dental of Northglenn are passionate about keeping your smile healthy, so if you are in need of care, call us today.