Wondering whether a general dentist can help with dental emergencies? Read on to learn more. What is important to know is that dentists are trained and equipped to treat dental emergencies quickly and efficiently.
There is plenty to know about dental emergencies. It is a good idea to know whether your dentist can be called if you ever experience a dental emergency.
Outlined below are five different facts about dental emergencies. These facts are worth reading about when trying to gain a better understanding of what may happen during a dental emergency.
A lot of people are under the impression that dental emergencies can only be addressed and treated in a dental office, however, that is actually not true. Emergency rooms in hospitals and even urgent care facilities can treat a lot of dental emergencies. There may be additional work required in a general dentist's office after the initial injury is addressed.
For example, if a tooth becomes dislodged during a sports-related injury, the individual can visit the emergency room at a hospital or an urgent care facility to stop any bleeding. Any torn or swelling tissue surrounding the wound spot can be treated accordingly.
The actual dislodged tooth may have to be put back in by a dentist at a different time, but the actual injury can be addressed quickly at an urgent care facility in the interim.
Because dental emergencies can occur at any time, it can be hard to know where to go immediately afterward. Typically, if a general dentist is available for emergency dental care, that is what is recommended. General dentists undergo an extensive amount of training and education to know how to treat injuries to the teeth and gums.
Of course, there may be some cases in which the expertise of an oral surgeon or even a non-dental medical professional is required. However, having a general dentist assess the emergency case first is advised due to the training that they undergo.
It is typically necessary for a dental emergency patient to have to return to the dentist at a later time. Teeth that are dislodged will definitely require follow-up care because the tooth will either have to be re-implanted into its socket or replaced completely by an artificial tooth.
In less severe dental emergencies, such as a cracked or a chipped tooth, individuals may still have to undergo a follow-up appointment to ensure that proper healing has taken place. Or, if a second appointment is required to complete a restoration, that may also be necessary.
For cases in which an infection is present, it may be advised to follow up with a general dentist at a later time. This will ensure that the infection has been completely removed from the tooth and surrounding area. This ensures optimal oral health moving forward.
It is important to understand that not all injuries or accidents that occur are considered to be dental emergencies. For example, a tooth that becomes minorly chipped or cracked outside of regular business hours for dental practices, may not require emergent attention. If there is no pain, no bleeding, or swelling then the tooth will likely be in fine shape until business hours the next day.
Other examples include bleeding when brushing or flossing. It can be alarming to see blood when practicing oral hygiene, but this does not mean that it is a dental emergency. Excessive amounts of blood or non-stop blood flow may require urgent care, but small amounts generally do not.
It is key to understand that certain dental emergencies do require immediate attention, otherwise, there can be further complications. Outlined below are a few examples:
When suffering from a dental emergency, it is highly advised to get in touch with a general dentist. If this is not possible, visiting a medical facility where emergency care can be provided is the next best option. To learn more about dental emergencies, reach out today. We are here to answer questions or go over any concerns that you may have.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gentletouchdentalcare.com or call Gentle Touch Dental Care at (718) 924-2387 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.
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