Oral hygiene is important to Americans, and the business of keeping your smile healthy and beautiful is a big one. Americans spend about $1.4 billion on teeth whitening products and services each year. Not everyone is proud of their smile, however, and almost one fifth of people conceal their teeth in photos because they don’t want to show their smile. It’s important to have regular teeth cleanings at your local dentist, and this can help you avoid having costly procedures like teeth whitening at the dentist and implant supported dentures because your teeth will stay strong and won’t decay with regular care.
Just as important as having regular visits with your dentist is seeing them when there is an emergency. An emergency dentist is available at any time of the day to help you with unexpected dental problems. If you find yourself needing immediate care from an emergency dentist, here are some things you should consider before you go in for an appointment.
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1. Is this a dental emergency?
If you’re not sure if you need to see your dentist right away, call the office and explain what happened. They will tell you how serious the problem is and whether you need to come in for an emergency repair. If you feel that you are in danger if you don’t seek emergency dental services, don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room for dental care. If you get treatment from someone other than your dentist, have your records sent to your dentist as soon as possible.
2. Are you in pain?
If you’re in too much pain to function, you should go in to get a dental repair right away. Depending on what happened, your dentist will be able to manage your pain and identify the problem to make sure you’re not feeling any worse than you should.
3. Have you had this problem before?
If this is a problem that happens all the time, and your dentist is familiar with it, call them and ask what to do. They might advise you to come in right away, and they also might suggest that it’s not serious and you can wait a few days for treatment.
4. Are you in immediate danger?
How did the injury happen? Consider this if you have any other injuries that might need treatment. If you have cuts or bruises that aren’t related to your dental health, consult a physician before seeing your dentist.
5. Do you have someone to bring you to the dentist?
If you’re in pain, it’s not a good idea to drive yourself. Try to find someone who can help with transportation.
6. Are you close to your local dentist?
Sometimes you might be faced with a dental emergency while you’re away from home, and if this is the case you should check online to find a walk in dentist in the area. Make sure they’re open and then go in right away to get your teeth checked.
Do you have an emergency dentist you see when something unexpected comes up and you need immediate care? If you have any tips for people who are trying to find a general dentist, please share your experience by leaving a comment and sharing your thoughts below. Read this for more.