Dental Emergency Harrisonburg VA

Dental Emergency | You may know what constitutes a medical emergency: chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, broken bones, uncontrollable bleeding, severe stomach pain. But when should you call a dentist for a possible oral health emergency? 

Any dental problem that requires immediate treatment is considered a dental emergency. This may include saving a knocked-out tooth, stopping ongoing tissue bleeding or alleviate severe pain. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call Harrisonburg Family Dentistry 24/7 at (540) 209-8090. We can advise you if you should come into our right away, seek emergency care at your local hospital or wait until our normal office hours. 

How to Identify a Dental Emergency

It is not always easy to know whether or not a dental problem is something that should be treated right away or if it is something that can be taken care of the next business day. Oral health issues that are considered dental emergencies include:

  • Severe tooth or mouth pain.
  • Swelling or bleeding due to injury.
  • Broken, cracked or knocked-out teeth.
  • Lost crowns or fillings.
  • Teeth that have shifted or become loose.
  • Bulges or knots on your gums.

harrisonburg dentist | Dental Emergency Harrisonburg VA

In most cases, a chipped tooth or minor fracture can wait for normal business hours. This will depend on the location of the tooth and the severity of the injury. However, if you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to call us and ask. Contact our emergency dentist in Harrisonburg as soon as possible and describe your situation to see if you require immediate medical attention. This quick action could save your tooth and preserve our smile.

How Can You Avoid an Emergency?

Emergencies can happen when you least expect them. You can’t plan for everything, but there are some things you can do to avoid many dental emergencies. Getting routine checkups is one way to keep your teeth healthy and avoid sudden oral health issues. Some other things you can do to prevent emergencies include:

  • Wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports.
  • Never use your teeth to tear or cut open packages.
  • Avoid chewing on hard food, hard candies, or ice.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Emergency?

A small first aid kit can help you in the event of a dental emergency. You can keep it handy in your purse or vehicle. It should contain the following items:

  • A small container with a lid
  • Gauze and handkerchief
  • Acetaminophen. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can act as a blood thinner and cause excessive bleeding in a dental emergency.

If you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call Harrisonburg Family Dentistry at any time to be sure. Prompt medical care can protect your teeth and gums.

Contact Our Office Today

A dental emergency can happen at any time. If you are experiencing pain, bleeding, a knocked-out tooth or any other serious oral health issue, let us know right away. Call Harrisonburg Family Dentistry 24/7 at (540) 209-8090. Prompt medical care is important, so don’t delay. We can advise you of the treatment you need so you can protect your smile.