You’re playing a game of catch in the yard when the ball misses your glove and hits your front teeth. There’s a crack and a pang of pain—do you know what to do? You need an emergency dentist, and you need one fast. A dental emergency could be anything from a broken or lost tooth to a mere toothache. Whatever the case, you need to act quickly if you want to stop the pain and save your smile.

Use the following tips to make the most of the process:

• Emergency Dentist or Doctor: If a baseball knocks out your tooth, you need a dentist to inspect it. But if your injury is making it difficult for you to breath or swallow, call 911 or head to the ER. The same strategy applies to severe cuts and bleeding in the mouth. Situations that require an emergency dentist aren’t life-threatening, but they still require urgent attention. Unfortunately, visiting the hospital for a dental issue won’t help.
• Make the Call: Regardless of whether it’s after hours, call your dentist. If they don’t pick up the phone, their outgoing message should mention what to do in case of a dental emergency. They might instruct you to call a separate line or refer you to a different office. If you consistently have trouble getting in contact with your dentist, consider switching to someone more available.
• Save Your Tooth: If the emergency is a knocked-out tooth, you can take steps to minimize the damage on your way to the dentist. Apply a cold compress to the area where the tooth used to be, and rinse the tooth with water. If it won’t sit firmly back in the socket, put it in a cup or a sealable bag of milk. If you don’t have milk, use your saliva. Bring the tooth with you to your appointment, and your dentist will determine if it can be saved.

The most important thing to remember during a dental emergency is to stay calm. It can be painful and scary, but keeping a level head will help you deal with the situation.

The best way to achieve peace of mind is to visit an emergency dentist you can trust. The Dental Clinic at Stuttgart in Arkansas offers emergency dental services that are entirely focused on patient well-being. Call them at (870) 551-3836 to schedule an emergency appointment. You can also learn more about dental care on their website.