What Can You Do About a Dental Emergency?

It’s a situation you hope never to find yourself in — a dental emergency. Emergencies are serious, and mean that action is needed right away. In emergency situations it’s always best to have a plan. When you plan ahead, you’ll be able to act quickly and stay calm amidst the added stress. In the case of a dental emergency, you need to have someone you can contact right away for treatment. There are many different situations that could constitute a dental emergency, from losing a tooth to severe inflammation. In almost every case, acting quickly can prevent further damage and even salvage your teeth. Here’s what you can do about a dental emergency.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation During a Dental Emergency

Emergencies often cause stress and panic for those who are experiencing them. When you reach a state of panic, you are less likely to think clearly and take the correct course of action. During a dental emergency, do your best to stay calm and assess the situation. If you’ve lost a tooth, collect the tooth and keep it clean. There are many scenarios where the tooth can be reset in its place if it remains undamaged and a dentist is seen right away. You may even need to reset the tooth in your own mouth temporarily to avoid a dry socket if the root is unharmed and the tooth is clean.

Have an Emergency Contact Ready Ahead of Time

Once you have taken a moment to assess your dental emergency, it’s time to contact someone who can help. You don’t need to visit a hospital in most cases, because dentistry is a specialty. You should have a dentist emergency contact at the ready. Many dentist offices will offer off-hours services in extreme cases. Check in with your dentist to see if this is an option for your.

Do You Have an Emergency Dental Contact?

You can’t prepare for an emergency itself, but you can prepare to handle one. Set up an emergency contact with your dentist so that you can act quickly when the situation calls for it. Dr. Carter and the Elm Creek staff offer compassionate care during emergency situations to help you get back to your best. Set up an emergency contact with Dr. Carter by contacting Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN at 763-416-0606.