Three Reasons You Should Contact an Emergency Dentist

Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, and usually occur at the worst possible time. Unlike planning a trip to the dentist or doctor, an emergency is never something you can predict. For most crisis medical situations, you can usually find a 24-hour doctor's clinic that will see you whenever necessary. But where should you turn if your situation revolves around your mouth?
If you are having abrupt pains or problems with your mouth, you should consult an emergency dentist. Often, they are an offshoot of the practice you regularly attend for checkups, and may consist of a 24-hour phone line that you can call to arrange a quick appointment. You can also do an Internet search and find several different options that are located close to you.
There are a variety of reasons why you would need an emergency dentist. Perhaps the most common reason is that of a knocked-out tooth. It could be that you ran into a door, or tripped and fell on the playground, or maybe in the course of defending a damsel in distress, you got on the wrong end of a punch. Whatever the case, you should try and preserve the tooth. Clean it off as best you can, making sure not to rip off any tissue that might be connected, and drop it in a glass of milk. Then call the 24-hour phone line at the location you've already chosen, and explain your situation. They should be able to fit you in quickly enough that you will be good as new in no time at all.
Another reason to see the emergency dentist would be if you have dental abscesses. These look like large swellings on your gums, and are usually painful. Smaller abscesses may look like a pimple. In this case, the first thing you should do is rinse it with warm water, and get into the dentist as quickly as possible. If you leave the abscess untreated for too long it can become infected, and will only become more painful.
A third reason why you should seek out emergency dental care is if you have a serious toothache. Toothaches are often the result of something stuck between your teeth or gums, so you should try and use floss to remove any unwanted objects before proceeding further. If the ache does not abate, and only worsens over the course of several hours, it's time to seek professional help. It could be a sign of something worse than just your ordinary toothache - the professional will tell you if that is the case.
Dire situations never arise when it's convenient for you. Go ahead and decide what emergency dentist you will call if you find yourself in a quandary. That way, you're prepared, and will be less stressed throughout the situation.