Whether it’s their physical pain, accompanying dental anxiety, or simply the fact that most of us do not enjoy unpleasant surprises, dental emergencies have a unique gift for ruining a person’s day. Unfortunately, amid the scary suddenness of their arrival, dental emergencies can make it difficult to focus and think clearly.
It’s what we do in these moments, when time is of the essence, that’s often the key to a full and speedy recovery with minimal discomfort.
What Makes a Good Emergency Dentist?
There are numerous factors to consider when you are selecting an emergency dentist. Some of the most significant are:
- Availability. Is the dentist easily reachable and frequently available?
- Track record. Does the dentist have an established reputation for providing high-quality emergency care?
- Range of services. Does the dentist provide care for a full range of dental emergencies?
- Finances. Does the practice accept your dental insurance? And, if not, do they offer payment plans or financing to ease the financial burden?
- Convenience. Is the office conveniently located near your home, school, and work?
Considering these factors will give you an excellent head start in selecting the right emergency dentist to quickly and effectively care for you and your family when you need it most.
How to Respond to Common Dental Emergencies
- Severe toothache. When dental pain is sudden, extraordinarily persistent, and unresponsive to all at-home pain remedies, apply an icepack for a bit of relief and immediately seek out emergency care.
- Swollen jawbone. If a person’s jawbone swells due to impact or, especially for no reason, seek immediate care, as this could be a sign of a potentially serious infection.
- Swollen or bleeding gums. Similarly, if a person’s gums are swollen and begin to bleed for no reason, get immediate help as this, too, could be a serious gum disease-related infection.
- Loss of a tooth. Whatever its cause, the loss of a permanent tooth requires immediate action. Fortunately, by immediately taking the following steps, you may save the natural tooth:
- Pick up the tooth without touching the root,
- Rinse without scrubbing
- Replace it in its socket in the gum; if this is impossible, place it in a container of milk
- Get to a dentist, pronto!
Top-Quality Family and Emergency Dentist in Chattanooga, TN
If you’re in Chattanooga and want to ensure that your family receives the best care possible in moments of desperate need and high-quality preventive care to nip potential emergencies in the bud, contact dentist Dr. Primesh Modi and the Bridge Dental team to schedule a consultation.