Where Do I Go for a Dental Emergency? The Emergency Dentist or General Dentist
Whether you develop a toothache or chip a tooth getting prompt help from a dentist becomes essential. You can see your local dentist offering preventive dental care looking after your teeth and gums regularly to monitor any problems that may develop. However, emergency dentists are professionals dealing with unexpected dental issues that arise without warning.
It is best to have the number of emergency dentists in your contact list as a safeguard if you encounter a dental situation when your dentist is unavailable. However, while both professionals manage various dental problems, crucial differences exist between providing general oral care and emergency dentistry.
Who Are General Dentists?
A general dentist is a professional you see most often after every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. They are responsible for your dental hygiene and overall health. General dentists help you to avoid tooth decay, plaque and tartar removal and treat various dental problems you might confront. General dentists can also provide emergency dental care when necessary.
General dentists are licensed and registered by the CDC and must follow a code of ethics recommended by the board. They can advise you on improving your dental hygiene by using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated tap water. They also offer after-care instructions following dental procedures and provide services for all ages.
Who Are Emergency Dentists?
Emergency dentists are professionals you can contact when confronting a dental situation such as a knocked-out tooth, excessive bleeding from the mouth because of periodontal disease, or an excruciating tooth with temperature sensitivity in a specific tooth indicating you might need endodontic treatment to eradicate a deep infection in the tooth. Emergency dentists typically treat dental problems beyond office hours.
Emergency dentists may not provide routine dental care, although they are trained to respond to unexpected situations. The Vancouver dentist specializes in working with emergencies. While emergency dentists provide similar services as general dentists, they might not offer advice on preventive care. Therefore it is best to contact the dentist in Vancouver if you are still determining where to go during a dental situation.
Which Dental Emergencies Need Prompt Attention?
Dental emergencies, whether minor or significant, are best seen by a dentist at the earliest. However, some situations, such as a knocked-out tooth causing bleeding, severe pain, and anxiousness about embarrassment because of tooth loss and expenditure to replace it, need prompt treatment within 30 minutes. Your chances of preserving the knocked-out tooth are the highest if you reach the emergency dentist in Vancouver for reinsertion of the tooth into its socket.
Before heading to the Vancouver dentist's office, you must collect the knocked-out tooth and rinse it in water without scrubbing the roots if dirty. Place the tooth between your cheeks if possible or in a tiny milk container and reach the dentist within the specified time. The dentist will reinsert the tooth into its socket by splinting it to the neighbouring teeth to permit its roots to reattach in a couple of months. They will recommend following up to monitor the progress of the reattachment.
Some situations, like a dental abscess, also need assistance from an emergency dentist if you are experiencing excruciating pain in the tooth, difficulty breathing, fever, and swelling in your face and cheeks. Dental abscesses are life-threatening, and the bacteria can spread through your jaw and bloodstream to your body to cause general health problems that need treatment from different medical professionals. Therefore the sooner you receive treatment for the dental abscess with antibiotics, pain relievers, and endodontic treatment, the better your chances of preserving your natural tooth and avoiding health complications.
Whether you or your family member confronts a dental situation obtaining treatment from a dentist near you becomes essential to protect your dental health and preserve your tooth besides alleviating pain. The nearby dentist may offer urgent care if you confront the situation during regular working hours. Unfortunately, dental emergencies occur after office hours and on holidays when most dentists spend quality time with their families. Therefore when trying to manage a dental situation beyond office hours and needing prompt treatment, it is best to contact an emergency dentist to receive the necessary treatment without delay.
Dental situations occur unexpectedly, making you jump with fear and anxiousness, wondering how to obtain treatment in the evening or on holidays. Fortunately, you can seek help from My Dentist Vancouver offering emergency services in Vancouver to help you manage unexpected dental issues. Do not hesitate to contact them to help yourself or your family confront dental emergencies.