Time is often a luxury when it comes to dental emergencies. Depending on their severity, you ought to treat them as soon as possible. If you don’t, you’re likely to face significant problems down the line. That said, maybe you don’t know how to find an emergency dentist. You might even think it’s pointless even to try. Fortunately, your dental practice in Kaufman can give you some pointers. Here are three tips you should follow to find an emergency dentist quickly and effectively.
Know What to Look for In an Emergency Dentist
Before anything else, you’ll need to know what a good emergency dentist looks like. After all, you want treatment from someone with the proper qualities, training, tools, etc. Otherwise, you won’t get good service. (If you live far away from a dental practice, you can use the ADA’s online tool to find a certified dentist near you.)
When looking for an emergency dentist, try to find one who:
- Offers same-day visits
- Has an after-hours phone number you can call
- Provides an e-mail address as another means of reaching out
- Tells you their typical response time
You can better decide whether to work with a particular practice by having these details. This information will also give you an idea of when you could expect some relief.
Contact Your Local Dentist at Once
Once you’ve decided on a practice, contact their emergency dentist at once. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that most dentists set aside time for emergency patients, so you might get to see your own right away.
Even if your emergency is outside regular business hours, still call the dentist in question. Their voicemail message may offer instructions for emergencies or include the phone number of a local on-call specialist.
If Necessary, Visit an ER Before Your Dental Visit
Sometimes it isn’t possible to see an emergency dentist quickly. In such cases, your best bet is to visit your local hospital’s emergency room. This option isn’t ideal since most hospitals can’t treat dental conditions. Still, an ER can offer antibiotics or painkillers for infections and pain. These things can tide you until a dentist can treat your underlying problem.
On the other hand, you may need to visit an ER first if your issue is life-threatening. For instance, an emergency room will be your top priority if you have a broken or fractured jaw, a deep facial laceration, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
By following the tips above, you’ll find an emergency dentist in time to treat your urgent tooth-or-gum problem. That said, remember them the next time you face a dental emergency!
About the Practice
Texas Dentistry is based in Kaufman, TX. As led by its team of superb dentists, the practice strives to make each patient’s visit a positive one. That said, it offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental treatments. The staff is also a qualified provider of dental sedation and orthodontic appliances. For more information or to book an appointment, visit their website or call by phone at (972)-932-3918.