Emergency dentistry is a branch of dental care that provides immediate attention and treatment for dental issues that require urgent care. Dental emergencies can include severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, abscesses, and other sudden oral health problems that cause significant pain or discomfort.

You should seek emergency dental care if you experience any of the following:

• Severe and persistent tooth pain
• A knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth
• A chipped, fractured, or broken tooth
• A loose dental restoration, such as a filling or crown
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
• Swelling or abscess in the gums or face
• Injury to the mouth or teeth due to an accident or trauma

While hospital emergency rooms can provide initial care for dental emergencies, they are not equipped to provide specialized dental treatments. It is essential to contact an emergency dentist for prompt and appropriate dental care.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, follow these steps:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the roots.
• Rinse the tooth gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments.
• If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket without force.
• If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in a container of milk or saliva until you can see a dentist.
• Seek emergency dental care immediately for the best chance of saving the tooth.

While waiting for emergency dental care, you can try the following at-home remedies to temporarily relieve tooth pain:

• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and numb the pain.

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency dental care to some extent. It is essential to contact your dental insurance provider to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

During an emergency dental visit, the dentist will perform a thorough examination of the affected area and take any necessary X-rays to diagnose the issue accurately. After the diagnosis, the dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment to address your dental emergency.

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, you can take steps to minimize the risk:

• Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly.
• Wear a mouthguard during sports activities.
• Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or bite on hard objects.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups to address any potential dental issues before they become emergencies.

At Tartan Dental, we understand that emergencies can happen at any time. We provide emergency dental care during regular office hours and offer after-hours emergency contact information for urgent cases.

At Tartan Dental, we have a team of experienced dentists who are skilled in handling dental emergencies with precision and compassion. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to provide prompt and effective emergency dental care, ensuring that you receive the relief you need when you need it most.