Emergency Dentist

Contrary to the popular belief, emergencies can occur in dental practice due to various disorders, accidents and other conditions. Therefore, to deal with such emergencies, you need to approach a dentist with appropriate skills, training and equipment available so as to avoid any potentially life threatening condition or health risk. Finding an “emergency dentist”, therefore, is very crucial.

Who is an “Emergency Dentist”?

Any dentist who is adequately qualified and well trained in dealing with various types of acute dental conditions, accidents and life threatening risks can be called as an ‘emergency dentist”.

What are Some Examples of Typical Dental Emergencies?

You must remember that depending on the nature, circumstances and type, dental emergencies may or may not be life threatening. However, regardless of its severity, you should always give due importance to any dental emergency and see the emergency dentist within the suitable time frame.
Some of the common dental emergencies include:

  • Dental trauma (physical injury).
  • Uncontrolled dental pain (severe toothaches).
  • Dental abscess (or pus formation win gums or teeth).
  • Lost filing or crown.
  • Unexplained, unstoppable heavy bleeding from gums or teeth.
  • Knocked-out tooth.
  • Chipped or broken teeth.
  • Extruded (partially dislodged) tooth.

Where to Go in Case of Dental Emergency?

While most dental emergencies are typically handled and dealt with in the emergency rooms or dental or medical hospitals, some dental clinics are also well equipped with basic essential apparatus to deal with any dental accident or acute situation. You should, therefore, ask your dentist to see if he or she does have the required training, skills and equipment to deal with the same, should there be any need.

The following criteria will help you learn and understand various attributes and qualities that you need to look for in an “emergency dentist”:

Should be well-prepared: An emergency dentist must be adequately prepared and well-equipped to deal with common life threatening conditions. He or she must have completed training to a level equivalent to the appropriate certificate of resuscitation and emergency care.

Should be well equipped: An emergency dentist should be knowledgeable enough to handle and operate all the relevant emergency room equipment in case of need. Also, he or she must have Up-to-date drugs and equipment. This equipment must be operational and readily available in all dental practices.

Should Have well trained staff: All staff in the dental practice of an emergency dentist should have appropriate training. The emergency dentist should be capable of developing a team approach to management of medical emergencies. Protocols should be in place so that all staff members know their role in managing emergency situations.

Conclusion

In short, any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. You should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Of course, an emergency is not going to give you sufficient time to actually “search” for an emergency dentist. It is, therefore, always best to keep yourself prepared for such a situation and make your mind about which ‘emergency dentist” you would like to see in case of such need.

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