Dental injuries often happen suddenly and without warning. Whether you get punched in the mouth during a fight, or knock a tooth out playing sports, you need to receive emergency care immediately. Not only is it important to treat the injury quickly to minimize damage, but it’s also essential to prevent complications from developing that might lead to more serious health issues.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
If you have a dental injury that needs immediate attention, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a dental emergency so that you know when to call your dentist’s office and how to handle the situation until you can see the dentist. A few tips to remember include:
Keeping An Emergency Tooth Kit at Home
Having an at-home emergency kit for tooth injuries can help you be prepared to respond to dental emergencies. If your teeth are knocked out, try to retrieve them and put them back in the socket if possible. If you are unable to do this, place the tooth in a container of milk and bring it with you to the dentist.
It’s also a good idea to keep a small container of salt water handy, in case you have any bleeding that can’t be controlled with pressure from your tongue or fingers. This is a simple way to control bleeding until you can get to the dentist.
You can also use a cold compress or take over-the-counter pain relievers to control any pain that you might be experiencing. It’s also a good idea to take a tetanus shot at your doctor’s recommendation if you have not received one previously, as this can help reduce your risk of infection from a dental injury.
How Much Does Emergency Dental Services Cost?
Emergency dental services are expensive, but they’re worth it for many patients. These services can save your life or significantly decrease the pain that you feel, and they can help prevent permanent damage to your teeth and gums. In fact, the longer that you wait to receive emergency dental services, the more likely it is that your dental problem will become worse.
The best way to save money on emergency dental services is to have a comprehensive dental insurance plan that includes coverage for dental emergencies. However, if you do not have dental insurance, you can also purchase a discount dental plan that will help you save money on dental care. These plans typically cover basic preventive services and also offer discounts on emergency dental services, such as extractions and crowns. The availability of these supplemental dental plans will vary by practice. Some will only provide an emergency service at certain times, while others may offer a variety of services, including anesthesia and nitrous oxide, at all hours. You should check with your dental provider to find out what types of sedation they offer. This will help you to relax during your visit if you are anxious or nervous about the situation. If you need an emergency dental help in Northbrook visit https://www.northbrookdentist.net/.