04 Sep Are You Prepared for a Dental Emergency?
Facial trauma can result in a number of different injuries that may compromise your smile. You may break or lose a tooth, or you may suffer a fractured jaw, for example. An oral surgeon is qualified to treat all of these injuries, so you may want to keep one in mind in case you ever need a consultation for a dental emergency. You can ask your general dentist for a referral if you have not received care from this type of specialist in the past.
Ideally, you would be able to be evaluated by an oral surgeon within 24 hours of experiencing your facial trauma – even less time than that, if possible. Most of these specialists have room in their schedules for same-day appointments. If you go to the emergency room for treatment for your injury, the hospital is likely to have an oral surgeon on call as well.
However, in some cases, you may not be able to see the surgeon as quickly as you would like. Knowing what to do before you can be seen can be instrumental in achieving positive outcomes for your case. For example, if a tooth is dislodged, you can store it in a special preservative solution or just in a small container of milk, if that is readily accessible.
If you’re experiencing swelling, you may want to place ice at the site of the injury. Initial discomfort may be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, as well.
Our office has a 24-hour answering service so you can call for guidance about how to proceed in a dental emergency. Use common sense, though. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms such as bleeding or major discomfort, go to your local emergency room for treatment.
Are your prepared for a dental emergency? Talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members for more tips on what steps to take to be sure that you know how to respond in the case of any facial trauma or injury.