If you hurt your tooth, whether it’s from a sports injury or simply biting down on something too hard, it’s important to know whether you should see an emergency dentist in Medford right away or whether you can wait until your dentist’s normal business hours. There’s no surefire way to prevent these kinds of situations, so it’s crucial to know what to do ahead of time. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to know when to see your emergency dentist.
What to Look Out For
Here are some signs of a dental emergency:
- Knocked-out tooth
- Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
- Partially or fully dislodged tooth
- Object stuck in between teeth
- Damage to your jaw or soft tissues in your mouth
- Oral bleeding
- Lost crown or filling
- Severe toothache
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, contact your emergency dentist right away, even if it’s after hours. Most dentists these days have an answering machine that will direct to an emergency room or another dentist who can help you. Emergency rooms may not have all the specialized knowledge that your dentist does, but they will be able to provide some assistance, especially when it comes to injury. It’s much better to see them than to try and resolve the situation on your own or do nothing.
What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth
A fully dislodged tooth is the most urgent of dental emergencies, as you only have about an hour to get the tooth reattached. That’s why it’s important to let your dentist’s staff know on the phone that you have lost a tooth. They will usually do everything in the power to see you right away.
In the meantime, try and locate the tooth if you can. Pick it up by the crown, the part you use to chew. Gently rinse it off with warm water and, using the help of a mirror or a trusted friend, try and place the tooth back in its socket. Make sure it’s facing the correct way. If that’s not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or a saltwater solution. Keeping the tooth wet is crucial in making sure it can be successfully reattached.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While no emergency is 100 percent preventable, there are some thing that you can do to lower your risks of them happening, such as:
- Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports or during any physical activity
- Avoiding biting down on hard foods and ice
- Not using teeth as a tool to hold or open packaging
- Limiting sticky or sugary foods
Dental emergencies can be scary, but as long as you are prepared and you have your emergency dentist’s number, they don’t have to be.
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino makes every effort to see emergency patients in the Medford, MA area as soon as possible. If you call when the office is not open, an answering machine will direct you to someone who can advise you on what to do. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us at (781)-396-3800.