During any kind of emergency, it’s easy to feel panicked and frustrated. But if you have a dental emergency in Timonium, MD, keeping a cool head is your best bet to get quick and effective treatment. Assessing the situation may even show you that you don’t have an actual emergency at all. There are many causes of concern that can be fixed with simple at-home procedures. But if you do have a dental emergency, it’s important to understand what steps you need to take.
Steps to Take in a Dental Emergency in Timonium, MD
Step One: Understand the Emergency
The first step you need to take is to understand exactly what is wrong. Are your gums bleeding? Do you have a fractured tooth caused by trauma? Did a restoration fall off? Knowing what kind of emergency you have before you call your dentist is the best way to help them help you. The more you can explain about what happened and how, the better. Here are some examples of the types and causes of dental emergencies:
- I was flossing my teeth, and my dental crown fell off.
- I was eating an apple and chipped my tooth.
- My child hit their head, and their tooth came out.
The more information you have, the more likely you are to get treated quickly and efficiently.
Step Two: Contact Your Dentist
Once you understand the emergency, it’s time to contact your dentist. Even in the case of small emergencies that could be treated at-home, calling your dentist is still a good idea. They can help provide more information and suggestions on how to protect and restore your teeth.
Many emergency dentists will leave spots open in their schedule to treat dental emergencies. If they are unable to fit you in, however, they may refer you to another dentist in the area. Some emergencies, such as having a crown fall off, can wait a day or two before treatment. Others, such as having a tooth knocked out, will require immediate attention. Contacting your dentist can help you determine how quickly you need treatment.
Step Three: Make Your Appointment
Dental emergencies aren’t always convenient, but the sooner you get them treated, the better. Many dentists often make room in their schedules for dental emergencies and may even move other appointments around to accommodate you. Making sure you get to your appointment on time is crucial to ensure you get the treatment you need. Missing your appointment or waiting too long to schedule your appointment could lead to worsening dental conditions.
If you have a dental emergency, Dr. Paul Karpovich is here to help. Call our office today at (410) 221-3085 to schedule an emergency appointment and get the treatment you need as soon as possible.