How to Prepare for a Dental Emergency

While you no doubt hope it won’t happen to you, there is always a chance that your or a loved one will need dental care in a hurry. And, if and when that happens, the last thing you want is to be in a panic as well as in pain. The trick is in knowing what to do, where you’ll go and how to get the best quality dental care in Canberra. As with many things in life, preparation is key and will help you suffer less and get treated sooner. 

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any unexpected trauma or infection to your teeth and supporting tissues that requires immediate attention. It can be caused by sudden trauma to the face or mouth or due to dental decay over time. And, while it can happen at any time, you’ll most certainly know when it does. Whether you have a debilitating toothache, a chipped or lost tooth, a dental abscess or excessive bleeding, you’re going to want to treat the problem as soon as possible. 

How Can I Plan for a Dental Emergency?

There is no way to know when a dental emergency might strike, but you can be ready for it. To prepare yourself, consider doing the following:

• Visiting the dentist regularly – not only will regular visits to the dentist stop some dental emergencies from occurring in the first place, but you’ll also know just who to call if an emergency does arise.
• Creating a finance plan – if you have dental insurance, then check what is covered. It may well be worth having some money set aside so you can cover the cost of emergency treatment if it’s needed. 
• Taking a first aid course – not only will a first aid course help you feel more confident in a dental emergency, but it’ll also teach you how to deal with burns, cuts and more. 
• Supplementing your first aid kit – not all first aid kids have everything you’ll need for a dental emergency. Consider adding latex gloves, sugar-free gum, cotton balls, gauze packs and floss, so you’re ready to act in an emergency. 

What Should I Do If I Need Emergency Dental Care?

While you’re going to need to seek treatment from a dental professional, knowing how to care for yourself in the meantime can make all the difference in an emergency. That means knowing basic first aid for each type of dental health problem. Some of the most common dental emergencies include:

• Toothache – try rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater, flossing to remove debris and placing an ice pack on your face.
• Knocked-out tooth – try to carefully place your tooth back in its socket or keep it moist between your cheek and gums. 
• Chipped tooth – try to save any pieces of your tooth, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling. 

For all of these dental emergencies, you will want to avoid eating, drinking and taking pain medication that may interfere with anaesthesia. But, the best thing you can do is call your dentist and act directly on their advice. 

How Do I Get Emergency Dental Care?

If you search for an emergency dentist near me, you should come across a list of dentists that offer emergency appointments. However, you’ll want to choose wisely. Be sure to pick a highly qualified modern dental practice that can provide a full range of treatment options. So, whether you need a dental implant, a root canal or veneers, you’ll be able to get everything you need in one place. 

The best way, of course, to get emergency dental care in Canberra is to contact your regular practice. If you’ve done your homework, emergency dentistry will be one of the services that they offer. That way, no matter what happens, you’ll be able to handle any emergency dental situation calmly, with minimal pain and hassle.