While it would be great if all dental emergencies occurred during normal business hours, this is simply not the case. The evenings and weekends are filled with too many opportunities to experience a sudden fall, busted lip, or knocked-out tooth. But when these instances happen, what do you do? Read on to discover what you can do to find an emergency dentist in Oklahoma City as soon as possible as well as how to handle your injury at home while waiting for an appointment.
Finding the Right Emergency Dentist
It is always best to identify an emergency dentist before an actual crisis occurs. This will not only give you greater peace of mind but will also help you to know where to go and what you can expect long before you ever need an emergency appointment. However, if you’ve yet to choose a dental professional and suddenly find yourself nursing a broken tooth or serious toothache, the best course of action is to visit your local emergency room. Although this is usually discouraged because of the long wait times and basic treatment you’ll receive from those who are not dental professionals, it is best to get help quickly and minimize your immediate symptoms.
Once the pain is under control and bleeding or swelling has ceased, you will need to identify a dentist in Oklahoma City as quickly as possible. Reading reviews and bios can help to narrow your search and find an individual who can safely and effectively take care of your smile.
What if an Accident Occurs Outside Normal Business Hours?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), less than 55% of all dental emergencies are semi-urgent while almost 24% are considered non-urgent. Because many of the most common dental injuries can be treated by simply visiting an emergency dental office, this can be reassuring in times of crisis.
If you’ve found a professional who provides assistance should you experience a dental emergency in Oklahoma City, make sure to read about their after-hours policy. You may find that your dentist provides a phone number you can call that will offer valuable instructions on how to handle certain emergencies and/or provide another phone number to an on-call emergency dentist. No matter how they handle accidents outside of normal business hours, make sure to ask about their policy so you know how to handle a problem when they’re not in the office.
From nagging toothaches to partially dislodged or knocked-out teeth to soft tissue lacerations and even a lost dental crown or filling, there are ways you can reduce the pain and prevent additional harm to your teeth while waiting for an appointment.
Although some emergencies are more time-sensitive than others (i.e., knocked-out tooth), you can trust that once you find a dentist in your area who treats dental injuries, you’ll have the tools you need to prepare for such injuries and even prevent them in the first place.
About the Author
Dr. Brad Mitchell completed his undergraduate studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater before earning his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma. As a dentist in Oklahoma City who provides a wide array of comprehensive services, you can trust that he and his team will be there for you should you experience a dental emergency. No matter the problem, Dr. Mitchell has the technologies and techniques that will minimize your pain, eliminate additional symptoms, and effectively treat the underlying problem. If you are suffering from a dental injury and need immediate assistance, contact us at (405) 755-2670.
