When seeking same-day emergency dental care, you want a team that is ready at the drop of a hat. The right team will be equipped for a range of emergencies, providing timely, stress-free care. However, it helps immensely when the patient takes the right steps beforehand. Doing so makes the general experience run more smoothly overall. So, keep in mind this general pre-appointment checklist for dental emergencies.
Pre-Appointment Checklist for Dental Emergencies
Stay Calm
We know this is easier said than done. But staying calm in an emergency can often make all the difference. Staying goal oriented can help keep you on track and improve the overall outcomes.
Some key elements include:
- Taking a moment to identify the issue. Check for pain, bleeding, damage, and swelling.
- Check the timing of when symptoms started and the progression of them worsening.
- Mentally rate the pain. Use the classic 1 to 10 scale to categorize your symptoms.
Manage Pain and Bleeding
Getting down pain, bleeding, or swelling are all important pre-appointment steps. Depending on your situation, you may need to take one or more steps. These can include:
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. This can help soothe the tissues while also reducing the bacteria present in your mouth.
- Applying a cold compress. Do not apply it inside your mouth or directly onto the site in question. Instead, gently place it on the outside of your cheek.
- Using pain relievers. Medications like ibuprofen and aspirin can help with pain. However, avoid letting aspirin make contact with your gums, as it can burn oral tissues.
- Gently applying sanitized gauze over any sites of bleeding.
Save Your Tooth!
If a knocked-out tooth is part of the equation, you can take a few steps to save it. These can vary based on the situation, so it is usually best to first call your dentist and have them walk you through your specific situation.
- Rinse the tooth gently: However, do not rinse in saltwater or scrub the tooth. A gentle rinse is all you need to remove dirt and debris.
- Keep it moist: Place it in a cup of milk, saline, or your own saliva (yes, you can even store it in your mouth).
- Bring it to your appointment immediately. In many cases, your dentist can reattach or save it if seen promptly.
Gather Essential Information
Having important information on hand when you arrive can further streamline the process. Before heading to our office, be sure to grab:
- Photo ID and dental insurance card
- List of medications and allergies
- Emergency contact information
Avoid Eating or Drinking Before Certain Procedures
The nature of emergencies makes them unpredictable. However, once you know you have an emergency, you may need to avoid food and drinks leading up to your treatment.
Bring Comfort and Support Items
For kids: bring along something to help comfort them before, during, or after treatment. This could be a favorite toy or a blanket.
For adults: bring along necessities like lip balm or headphones to help you relax and stay comfortable until treatment is finished.
Prepare Questions for Your Dentist
Think through any questions you might have for your emergency dentist as you drive to the office. Questions can include:
- What immediate treatment do I need today?
- How can I prevent this type of emergency again?
- Will I need follow-up care or X-rays?
Establish Your Emergency Dentist Today
You might not have an emergency today, but that doesn’t mean tomorrow will be the same. Save our phone number as an emergency dentist, and give us a call when your smile needs us most.