When your teeth cause you pain, your quality of life can quickly deteriorate. What begins as a bit of a toothache may progress to headaches, inability to consume your favorite foods or beverages, and sleepless nights.
If you are looking for an emergency dentist near Bedford, NH, Pearl Dental Associates can offer you all the assistance and care you require. We treat all dental emergencies seriously and provide appointments to both new and existing patients so that you can receive the appropriate care to restore your quality of life.
If you are unsure whether you have a dental emergency, give us a call, and our courteous staff will advise you on what to do next.
What exactly constitutes a dental emergency?
If you're experiencing dental pain, you may be considering whether you should contact an emergency dentist near Bedford to schedule an appointment and treat the underlying cause of the problem.
Many of our patients are hesitant to call us in the event of a dental emergency because they don't want to bother the dentists or the rest of our team by calling at odd hours. This is understandable. However, we also believe no one should suffer through agonizing tooth pain until they can get an appointment with a regular dentist, so don't hesitate to contact us if you are experiencing any type of dental emergency.
Here are some examples of what is considered a dental emergency:
- Swelling of the gums, cheeks, or other parts of the face. Inform us immediately if you see that the swelling is creeping up to the area around your eye or down your neck
- A knocked-out tooth
- A severe toothache that interferes with your ability to concentrate or sleep
- A broken tooth that is causing discomfort to your tongue or face
- Bleeding as a result of facial trauma
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should contact our office as soon as possible.
Emergency Dental Care Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have a tooth that has been knocked out?
In some cases, acting promptly can be the difference between saving a tooth and losing it entirely. Many knocked-out teeth can be saved if they are brought to us as soon as possible.
If you still have the tooth that has been knocked out, carefully clean your mouth with warm water and rinse it out. Then rinse the tooth by holding it by the crown and make every effort possible to re-insert it into the empty socket where it came from. If you're successful, close your mouth and gently bite down on the tooth to ensure that it stays in position. In order to stop any bleeding, bite down on a piece of gauze if you can get one until you are able to get to a dentist's office for emergency treatment.
What can I do to lessen the swelling caused by an infected tooth?
If you have an infected tooth that is causing swelling, you must see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Using an ice pack or a cold compress on the affected area will help reduce swelling until you can see a dental professional. You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve your discomfort.
If you have swelling around one of your wisdom teeth, try raising your mouth with saltwater, which may help clean and disinfect the area while also eliminating any food that may have become trapped.
Should I go to the ER if I have a dental emergency?
Only go to the emergency department if you are in a life-threatening scenario. Unless you are experiencing severe bleeding or significant trauma to the mouth or face, it is usually not necessary to visit the emergency room for dental problems.
Is it possible to avoid a dental emergency?
Most dental infections can be avoided, particularly those associated with toothache caused by extensive decay and abscesses. Maintain good dental hygiene by brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist for regular checks twice a year.
If you are in pain and need an emergency dentist near Bedford, call Pearl Dental Associates right away. Our friendly staff will help you regain your quality of life in no time.