A dental emergency can be a scary and stressful experience. However, knowing exactly what to do if you find yourself with a pain in your tooth or jaw can help make a stressful situation much easier and safer. Anchorage Dental Center is Alaska’s top choice for everything from teeth cleaning to emergency procedures. The family dentist is here with the answers to some of the most common questions about dental emergencies.

A Dentist’s Guide To Dental Emergencies

How Do I Know What Is & Is Not An Emergency?

It can be tough to assess whether a dental injury is a “deal with it now” problem. If you have an injury that immediately threatens your health, call 911. If the injury is tooth related, such as a broken tooth, it is considered a dental emergency. Issues that you’re comfortable waiting until you can schedule a visit to your family dentist are not considered an emergency.

I Knocked Out My Tooth. What Should I Do?

For adult teeth that are knocked out in an injury, immediately pick the tooth up by the crown. If there is any dirt on the tooth, gently wash it off with cold water or milk; then, put the tooth back into the socket. Call your dentist and let them know you are on your way. Although a tooth might be able to be saved 24 hours after being knocked out, it’s best not to delay.  

What Should I Do If I Break A Tooth?

For teeth that have minor chips and do not cause pain, you can wait and schedule a regular visit to the dental clinic. However, if the tooth is fractured, split, or has a large portion broken off, don’t delay. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need a root canal or crown, or the tooth might need to be removed altogether to save you from extensive pain.

How Quickly Can A Dentist See Me?

Whenever possible, the dental clinic will see you immediately. You should try to call before you arrive so the dentist has time to prepare for your arrival. Check your dentist’s hours of operation if the emergency occurs outside of normal business hours; not all dentists provide 24-hour service.

Whether you’re seeking a simple teeth cleaning or you have an urgent dental emergency, Anchorage Dental Center is a family dentist you can trust. To learn more about their services and staff, visit the website or call (907) 278-2521 today.