Emergency Dentistry in Winston-Salem, NC
If you experience a dental emergency, the trusted team at Twin Oaks Dentistry can help restore your smile. Here’s what you need to know about emergency dentistry before scheduling your appointment.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry addresses dental conditions requiring immediate attention due to uncontrollable bleeding, severe pain, infection, or other serious circumstances. In most cases, general dentists are prepared to handle common dental emergencies, such as toothaches or broken teeth. If you suspect that your oral health problem could be an emergency, it’s best to contact your dental office to determine whether your condition requires immediate professional attention or if it can wait a few days.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are oral health problems that need to be treated as quickly as possible. While determining whether your dental concern is serious enough to be considered an emergency can be overwhelming, it’s essential to stay calm. Here are some examples of dental emergencies that should be taken care of by a professional dental team right away:
- Knocked-out tooth
- Severe toothache
- Abscessed tooth
- A lost dental crown that’s causing pain
- Mouth injury or trauma accompanied by uncontrollable bleeding
What is Not a Dental Emergency?
When your mouth is injured or causing you pain, restoring the health and comfort of your mouth is a top priority. While this is true, not all oral health concerns are considered true dental emergencies. Examples of dental problems that you should make an appointment to have resolved but do not require immediate dental treatment include:
- A chipped tooth
- Lost fillings
- Toothaches that can be managed with at-home remedies
When Should You Seek Emergency Dentistry?
The simplest way to know if your dental problem is an emergency is whether the condition can be treated and managed adequately at home. Here are some ways to manage your discomfort at home while you wait to be seen by your dentist:
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial rinse to prevent infection
- Apply cold compresses to the outside of your mouth to stop the swelling and decrease the pain
- Take over-the-counter pain medications
- Avoid eating foods that are hot, cold, hard, or chewy
While dental emergencies often can’t be avoided, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of experiencing an urgent dental problem. Some of these include:
- Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day
- Flossing every day
- Wearing a mouth guard when playing contact sports
- Not biting down on hard items, such as ice and pens
- Visiting our Winston-Salem dental practice every six months for regular dental exams and professional cleanings
Winston-Salem Emergency Dentist
At Twin Oaks Dentistry, we know that dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. That’s why we’re proud to offer urgent appointments during business hours. If you experience a dental problem with severe pain or uncontrollable symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Someone from our trusted team can help you determine if your condition is a true dental emergency, recommend how to manage your pain at home, and schedule an appointment for you to be seen immediately if needed.