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Spanish Emergency pop quiz: What do you do when your house is on fire? You get outside and call the fire department. Where do you go when your car runs out of gas? You head to the gas station. And when there’s something strange in your neighborhood—who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters, obviously. But do you know who to call or where to go in a dental emergency? Considering how common they are, it’s important information. According to the American Dental Association, someone in America checks into the emergency room every 15 seconds for a dental issue. That means many, many dental emergencies are happening every hour of every day. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, knowledge and swift action can make all the difference in the world.
What To Do in a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth, gums, or soft tissue that requires swift action to avoid more lasting or permanent damage. The key phrase here is “swift action” because the faster you act, the more likely you will experience no lasting damage. For example, if you knock out your tooth, your chances of saving that tooth are much higher if you can see an emergency dentist within the hour.
The first step in dealing with a dental emergency is to contact an emergency dentist. Dr. Brent Bradford from the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Syracuse, NY (MDICA Syracuse) has been practicing dentistry since 1998, and he and his experienced staff can handle all types of emergencies.
An emergency dentist will keep certain time slots open throughout the day to accommodate same-day emergency appointments. When you call MDICA Syracuse, our goal is to see you as quickly as possible so we can relieve your pain and treat your symptoms. Our knowledgeable staff can also give you instructions on managing your symptoms until you reach the office.
If you call our practice after hours, our voicemail will have instructions on what to do, or an on-call dentist may be available to see you immediately.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Contact an emergency dentist like Dr. Bradford right away if you’re experiencing:
- Intense, persistent toothache
- Knocked-out tooth
- Cracked or dislodged tooth
- Dental abscess (bad swelling)
- Soft tissue injury that won’t stop bleeding
- Broken dental restoration
What Is Not a Dental Emergency?
Some dental issues should be handled quickly but don’t require same-day emergency appointments. You should seek treatment for these symptoms, but they can be handled at a regularly scheduled visit.
- Dull or weak toothache
- Chipped tooth
- Minor cut or bruise
- Object stuck between teeth
- Broken braces
If you’re wondering whether your situation warrants a same-day emergency appointment, call our office, and our staff can provide instructions.
Emergency Room vs. Emergency Dentist
The hospital’s emergency room is an excellent place to go in a medical emergency. But what about a dental emergency? If your emergency is uncontrollable bleeding that requires immediate attention or a more comprehensive facial injury like a shattered jaw, then yes, you should go to the emergency room.
But for most other dental emergencies, the ER won’t have the specialized dental equipment—or dentists—to handle your oral health issue. They can help with pain management and patch up any cuts, but other than that, you’re much better off seeking out an emergency dentist.
The Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Nobody wants to worry about cost in an emergency. At MDICA Syracuse, we understand your concern and will do everything possible to give you peace of mind in a stressful situation. Our team will review your insurance plan to ensure you get the most from your coverage. We also partner with multiple outside financing companies that provide affordable monthly payment plans, so emergency procedures don’t have to wait for financial reasons.
Contact Dr. Bradford in a Dental Emergency
Time and knowledge are the two biggest factors when facing a dental emergency. Knowing who to call and taking swift action can be the difference between losing and saving a tooth. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact Dr. Bradford at the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Syracuse. We’ll schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible to get you the relief and help you need.
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