Emergency Dentistry
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Emergency Dentist in Richmond, VA
Regardless of how well you care for your mouth, accidents happen that can result in a dental emergency. When they do, it’s important to know the necessary steps to take to prevent the situation from getting worse and manage pain effectively. If you experience an oral health emergency, Dr. Roe and her trusted team at Glen Forest Dental Co. are here to help restore the health and beauty of your smile. Here’s everything you should know about how to properly handle a dental emergency to keep your smile in tip-top shape.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can be very stressful. While you may be worried or overwhelmed, it’s best to stay calm and determine whether your concern is an emergency or not. A dental emergency is any oral health problem that needs immediate dental intervention, is causing severe pain, and/or has severely altered the appearance of your mouth. These could include:
- Severely cracked or broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme toothache
- Gum injuries
- Lost crown causing pain
What Is Not Considered a Dental Emergency?
No dental problem is pleasant, but not every oral health concern is considered an emergency. In order to achieve the appropriate treatment for your needs, it’s important to be able to distinguish between a real dental emergency and an issue that should be addressed with a scheduled appointment. Some common dental problems that are not considered emergencies include:
- Minor toothaches
- Chipped teeth
- Lost filling
If you experience one of these dental concerns, we encourage you to contact us right away to schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist, Dr. Roe, to resolve it.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly to anyone, but there are steps you can take to lower your chances of experiencing a dental emergency. Here are some tips to help you avoid a dental emergency in the future:
- Practice good oral health habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist for routine check-ups
- Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports
- Don’t bite down on hard foods or items, such as ice and pencils
How to Manage Pain from Dental Emergencies
To manage the pain before you make it to the emergency dentist, these steps can help:
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth against the affected area
- Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouth wash or warm saltwater
- Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen
Hours/Availability for Emergency Dental Services
In most cases, we are able to fit walk-in and same-day dental emergencies into our schedule. You’re always welcome to stop by our Richmond dental office without an appointment if you experience a dental emergency, however, it’s best to call before doing so. This will allow us to prepare for your arrival, give you an idea of how long the wait may be, and let us guide you on how to address the problem and manage your pain.
Glen Forest Dental: The Best Place for Emergency Dental Care
Hopefully, you will never encounter an oral health emergency, but if you do, Dr. Roe and her experienced team are here to help. At Glen Forest Dental Co., we are prepared to restore the comfort, appearance, and, most importantly, the health of your smile in a safe, relaxing environment. If you’re unsure if your dental problem requires immediate assistance, please contact our Richmond dental office. We can advise you on the best steps to resolve the issue. For more information on how to handle a dental emergency or to schedule your next appointment, contact us today!