Why Now is the Best Time to Find an Emergency Dentist

Why Now is the Best Time to Find an Emergency Dentist

Although many people have a regular dental professional they go to for preventative treatment and maintenance, others do not. When an emergency strikes, it’s also not always guaranteed that your regular dentist will be available fast enough to help. Due to this, it’s always a good idea to do some preliminary research and be well-prepared for any emergency dental event. We’d recommend keeping an up-to-date list of two or three well-researched emergency dentists, should you ever need one. This helps give you peace of mind should an emergency happen, as well as helping you secure an emergency appointment quickly.

Here’s our guide on how to find the best emergency dentist now.

What is Emergency Dentist Treatment?

An emergency dental treatment can be required for a number of reasons. If you are experiencing the sudden onset of symptoms such as severe tooth pain, swelling, or fever, this could suggest an infection. A dental emergency is not always classified as being the result of trauma or injury to the mouth, however dental trauma is not uncommon. Trauma to the tooth leading to a broken or chipped tooth is classed as a dental emergency, due to potential exposure of the inner pulp and further damage to the structure of the tooth. A knocked out tooth is another common dental emergency, requiring prompt treatment to increase the chances of saving the tooth. If you have lost a crown or filling, this would also be classed as an emergency. You may also have an orthodontic emergency, where painful issues linked to braces need to be resolved urgently.

Why Not to Wait

If you need an emergency dentist, the clue is in the name. In any type of dental emergency, waiting to have treatment done can have a severe impact on the outcome of the procedure. Many emergency dental concerns can quickly become more serious, especially in situations involving potential infections that can easily spread and even become fatal if untreated. Here are some of the reasons you shouldn’t wait to see an emergency dentist:

• Infection Spread
  Infections in the mouth can spread quickly, and many infections are caused by dental emergencies. Dental trauma can lead to inner sections of the tooth being exposed to harmful bacteria, and the moist, warm environment within the mouth is the perfect environment for infections to grow. You may even suffer serious health complications due to a dental infection, as the spread of infection can be unpredictable and quickly move to the neck or bloodstream.
  
  
• Pain
  If you have ever experienced severe dental pain, you’ll know just how debilitating it can be. In a dental emergency, it’s best to seek professional advice as your dentist will be able to offer effective pain relief or even antibiotics where required.
  
  
• Tooth Loss
  Leaving a dental emergency untreated can cause tooth loss in the most extreme circumstances. If issues are left to spread or are not treated promptly, you may end up needing a full tooth extraction rather than a simple fix.
  
  
• Complications and Further Damage
  Many dental emergencies can cause additional damage within the mouth or surrounding teeth. A small crack could quickly become a fractured tooth, while a minor infection could spread to the gums and cause a dangerous abscess.
  
  
• More Costly Treatments
  If you do delay emergency dental treatment, you may require more costly interventions due to the increased complexity of the issue.
  
  

Tips for Finding an Emergency Dentist

To speed up the process in finding an emergency dentist, the following tips should help.

– Do your research
Any dental emergency can be a stressful experience, particularly when it comes to children, loved ones, or dealing with severe pain. Doing your research before an emergency happens and keeping your chosen dentist’s information on your phone can make all the difference in securing a prompt emergency appointment.

– Have the details ready
Save your chosen emergency dentist’s details to your contact book, or keep a list in your phone notes app. As we mentioned earlier, it may be a good idea to keep a list of 2 – 3 specialists in case your first choices are unavailable at the time of emergency. Bear in mind that some dentists are closed on weekends, so try to find an alternative just in case.

– Consider your regular dentist
Using your normal dentist as your first choice in an emergency situation is the best option. This is because they are familiar with your overall dental health and can therefore offer a more holistic approach when it comes to your emergency dental treatment. Where younger children are involved, this is also a better choice – as they will be more likely to have built a comfortable relationship with your usual dentist.

How to Choose the Best Emergency Dentist

Most dental practitioners offer emergency dental services, though this doesn’t mean they’re all an ideal choice. Going with your regular dentist in an emergency is likely the best option, though it is always a good idea to have backups just in case. Make sure these are relatively local to you and easily accessible via car or your preferred method of transport.

We would also recommend checking the reviews specifically referencing emergency dental care. A fast response time and comfortable recovery process are two positives to look out for, as well as a calm, considered manner. Emergency dental fees may also be something you wish to consider, as some will charge higher premiums for emergency situations. You could also ask friends and family if they have any dentists they’d like to personally recommend.

Emergency Dental Care at Ringway Dental

Early intervention in a dental emergency can help protect against more costly complications and a painful recovery process. At Ringway Dental, we offer emergency dental care to all who need it.

If you have a dental emergency, call us now on 0161 437 2029. We are conveniently situated in Cheadle in Greater Manchester, and easily accessible via surrounding motorways. We always endeavour to see dental emergency patients on the same day where possible.

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