The challenging bit about dental emergencies is finding proper care. When in an emergency, the last thing you want to do is procrastinate or spend too much time looking for the right dentists to handle the crisis. Adding to this, you could be in too much pain and possibly cannot even think straight. While most people wait for emergencies to occur to start searching for their dentists, you should save yourself the trouble and embark on your search now (assuming you are not in need of dental emergency treatment right now). It is easier that way. Below are some tips that will help you cut down on research time if you ever find yourself in such a situation.
Steps to take before the emergency
The perfect place to begin your search for the best emergency dental care is at your regular dentist. Asking your family dentist if he/she provides emergency dental care will let you know if you can run to them when in dire need. Some dentists, while they may not offer emergency services, can refer you to a great Red Deer emergency dental clinic. So either way, it is a win-win.
Here is the thing with waiting until the last minute to get an emergency dental clinic. More often than not, you are left to look for a Red Deer emergency dental clinic online. On the Internet, there are lots of great dentists available. You, however, have to read through client reviews to determine your best fit. And after deciding who to go with, you will have to fill out appointment forms. Emergencies do not allow you such luxury when it comes to time.
If your family dentist does not have a referral, turn to your family and friends for advice. They may point you in the right direction.
Do not postpone or waste time in an emergency
Another handy tip is to save the number of your emergency dentist. This way, in the event of an accident, you will not spend a long time looking up their phone number. It is also essential to check out your insurance. Confirm what your insurance covers in emergency situations. Speaking of insurance companies, it is also important to check if your dentist accepts payment from your insurance company. If he/she does not, what other payment options do they have available? Are there extra fees for emergencies? All this information is crucial as it ensures you are not caught off guard at the worst possible time.
What to do in an emergency
Whenever you call your dentist for an emergency, there are some questions they will ask to determine the extent of the damage. These questions also work to provide dentists with an idea of the urgency of the situation. As such, you should always have an individual with you to help you answer the questions. If that is not possible, grab a mirror.
Some of these questions include the amount of bleeding and where the bleeding is. Is blood flowing from the gum or under the teeth? Is the bleeding light and slow? If so, it can be controlled. For such cases, place gauze over the displaced or broken tooth, and apply pressure for about ten minutes. On the other hand, if the bleeding is uncontrollable, you should get to the dentist as fast as you can.
Regardless of whether you are trained in first aid or not, it is important to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. Having a dentist you trust to provide this service will save you a great deal of time and worry.
