What Should I Do if I Have a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can happen at the worst possible time. It doesn’t matter if you’re diligent about your routine oral health care. You can still experience a dental emergency. What do you do if one happens? Your Williamsport, PA emergency dentist can give you the care you need to take care of your dental issue.

emergency dentistry in Williamsport Pennsylvania

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are usually sudden and severe. Some common ones are:

  • Cracked or broken tooth
  • Chipped tooth
  • Sudden tooth pain
  • Knocked out tooth
  • Filling that falls out

Any of these can cause a bit of a panic and impact your entire day. However, there’s nothing to be worried about. Dentists set aside emergency time in their day because they know that these things happen. Call your Williamsport, Pennsylvania dentist immediately and see the soonest time that they can get you into the office. If it’s somehow something that threatens your life, call 9-1-1.

How Can I Prevent Dental Emergencies?

Not all dental emergencies are preventable, but there are ways to lessen your chances of experiencing one.

  • See the dentist regularly. One of the most essential things you can do to avoid a dental emergency is to make sure you see your dentist at least twice a year. These are more than just cleanings. A dental exam is a way for the dentist to make sure everything is right in your mouth. Catching things early can prevent emergencies like infections or other issues from forming and getting worse.
  • Wear a mouthguard. If you’re playing any kind of contact sport, it’s important to wear a mouthguard. It doesn’t matter if it’s a professional league or just a pickup game in the backyard. Tooth emergencies can happen in either situation. In particular, get a custom mouthguard to get the perfect fit. This keeps you more comfortable.
  • Practice good oral hygiene at home. Two visits to the dentist a year can’t be your only form of oral health care. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing every day. Keeping up with good oral health can stop a lot of problems before they start. For example, that helps prevent gum disease, which can make your teeth looser and more prone to damage.
  • Open things with your hands. Don’t try to open bottles and other packaging with your teeth. If you’re encountering a surface with them that doesn’t end up budging, your teeth certainly will. In addition, try not to chew on hard things like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels. All of these can cause your teeth to chip.

Your Emergency Dentist in Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Loyalsock Dental Associates is here to help you with your dental emergencies. If you have an emergency after-hours, we have a number you can call to get to the doctor-on-call. Otherwise, call our regular office number so we can get your issue fixed as soon as possible!