Finding an emergency dentist before you need one eases the stress of a dental emergency. Things can go wrong, and accidents can happen even when practicing the best dental care. When dental emergencies happen, there can be a lot of pain and the possible threat of tooth loss. Therefore, having a plan in place is crucial, and it starts with knowing where to go for help.

When you need an emergency dentist

A dental emergency is a dental problem requiring immediate attention. Dental emergencies are not life-threatening but involve extreme pain that cannot be managed with pain medication and the threat of severe dental damage. Examples of dental emergencies include:

• Knocked-out teeth
• Severely cracked or broken teeth
• Severe toothache
• Partially dislodged tooth (extrusion)
• Dental abscess
• Swollen mouth or jaw
• Lost or damage restoration

Minor toothaches, small chipps, or cracks are usually not issues for an emergency dentist. Also, it is important to remember that patients should seek emergency medical care if injuries go beyond dental ones and may threaten life and limb.

What is an emergency dentist?

An emergency dentist can be any dentist that offers same-day emergency services. In addition, emergency dentists provide urgent dental care outside of regular office hours, including nights and weekends. An emergency dentist can even be a regular or family dentist equipped to handle dental emergencies such as those above, alleviate pain, and prevent future damage to the teeth and gums.

Finding an emergency dentist

When a dental emergency strikes, it is not the best time to search for an emergency dentist. The patient will likely be in a lot of pain and unable to think, make calls, research, and think as clearly as they normally would. Therefore, knowing who you will call and where you will go beforehand is best.

What to look for

Finding an emergency dentist with open availability, including nights and weekends, is important because emergencies do not wait for business hours. In addition, patients should try to find a dentist close to their home or work. Patients should choose a dentist that displays their fitness to provide emergency care and works with the patient’s insurance.

Talk to your regular dentist

A patient’s regular general or family dentist can be a great place to start. There are distinct advantages to working with a professional one knows and trusts during an emergency. If a patient’s regular dentist does not provide emergency services, they may be able to recommend a dentist that does.

Do your research

In addition to checking in with friends and family for recommendations, the internet is an excellent resource. Patients should look for dentists that advertise themselves as emergency dentists. Reviews of local dentists are also available online in various locations and can offer insight into the type of service the dentist provides.

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