Urgent Dental Care can be frightening and stressful, but they are often preventable. By seeking timely care for common problems like severe toothaches, knocked out teeth, and painful bleeding, you can avoid future complications that may require more invasive treatments.
The best thing to do in a dental emergency is to call your dentist immediately for instructions, even if it’s after hours. They can often provide an emergency phone number or direct you to a local urgent care center or hospital.
Urgent Dental Care: When and Why You Should Seek Immediate Treatment
Typically, hospital emergency rooms do not have staff trained in the field of oral health care and are not equipped to handle most dental emergencies. Instead, they are more likely to refer patients to a local dental office that offers emergency services.
In the case of a severe toothache, a broken denture, or other dental emergency, the first step is to take immediate steps to minimize pain and discomfort, such as applying pressure with a cold compress or ice bag or rinsing your mouth with warm water. You should also be sure to openly communicate with your dentist and trust their expertise in order to receive appropriate pain relief treatment.
The VCU School of Dentistry has created an innovative clinic that is transforming emergency dental care and promoting oral health in the community. The clinic is staffed by highly-qualified students who are well prepared to identify and treat dental emergencies. By establishing the clinic as a pathway to ongoing care, they are improving access for vulnerable populations and providing valuable clinical experience.