Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time and they can be traumatic to the injured party. Preparing ahead of time can save valuable minutes and discomfort. It can also mean the difference between saving a permanent tooth or experiencing the effects of tooth loss. Believe it or not, there are some simple steps you can take to help you and your family prepare for a dental emergency.
Establish a Dental Home
It is important to establish a dental home for each member of the family. Most dentists have emergency numbers to utilize after hours and you should have those numbers written down and saved in your cell phone. This accomplishes two goals. First, the staff is familiar with the family’s dental history and better equipped to treat them during an emergency. You also won’t be fumbling to find the number or decide who to call in the event of a dental emergency. This can save valuable time when you need treatment.
Create a Dental First-Aid Kit
You probably already have a typical first-aid kit in your home and creating one geared towards a dental emergency can come in handy. This is also a good place to write down the number to your emergency dentist. It is completely up to you how extensive your dental first-aid kit becomes. However, below are some recommended items:
- Sterile Gloves
- Gauze
- Dental Floss
- Dental Wax
- Dental Cement
- Denture Adhesive
- Cold Compress
- Small container w/lid
- Save-A-Tooth Solution
Understanding Emergencies
First, it is important to understand what constitutes a true dental emergency. Any trauma or injury which requires immediate professional attention to relieve discomfort, stop bleeding or save a tooth is a dental emergency. If your need doesn’t meet this criteria, it can likely wait until business hours. There is a big difference between an inconvenience and an emergency.
If you do experience an emergency, it is imperative that you stay calm and contact our office immediately. Our compassionate team is equipped to handle your dental emergency.
