The term “Emergency dentist” refers to dental professionals who are available for patients suffering from unforeseen issues that cannot wait until regular office hours. This type of professional is equipped to handle a variety of emergency situations such as broken teeth, severe toothaches, facial trauma (like chipped or cracked teeth), and swollen gums.
Dental emergencies are typically defined by severe pain or swelling that does not subside. The best thing to do when experiencing a dental emergency is to call the dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. This will ensure that your issue is addressed as quickly as possible and can be solved in a way that minimizes any further damage.
A number of different factors can result in a dental emergency, such as food stuck between the teeth, chewing hard foods, and a range of medical conditions like trigeminal nerve neuralgia, diabetes, or heart attacks that cause jaw pain. In addition, sports-related accidents and work-related incidents can lead to broken teeth and other types of oral injuries.
Some studies have found that medical emergencies account for over 50% of all dental emergencies, with syncope claiming the top spot. Other types of medical emergencies that can occur in the dental office include allergic reactions, angina pectoris/myocardial infarction, asthmatic episodes, postural hypotension, and cardiac arrest. In order to handle these types of medical emergencies, dentists are often trained in the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and may have access to life-saving equipment like a defibrillator. Emergency dentist