Even though they rarely happen, dental emergencies cannot be assumed. For instance, you cannot ignore the severe pain that comes with a toothache. What's unfortunate is that these emergencies tend to occur at the most inopportune times, as you might find yourself struggling with a toothache in the middle of the night making it difficult for you to get help from your regular/family dentist. However, you don't have to bear with the situation as you can always seek help from an emergency dentist. Here is how you can find a good one.
How to find a good emergency dentist
Determine whether it’s an emergency and deal with it first
Before you go berserk and try to reach out to any dentist near you, first determine whether it’s an emergency. For instance, in the case of tooth pain, you might have bitten into something causing a sharp pain that goes away after a while. Once you are sure its an emergency, try to deal with it before finding help. For instance, if there’s bleeding try to prevent further blood loss by placing an absorbent material on the area to encourage clotting if its pain takes some painkillers such as ibuprofen.
Call your dentist
Once the situation is under control, call your dentist and alert them of the situation. Some dentists are usually willing to offer appointments within short notice, especially if it’s a long-term customer.
Outside working hours
If it is out of hours, for instance in the middle of the night and your dentist only operates during working hours, still make a point of calling them. Your dentist is the best person to ask for referrals when you need emergency care.
Ask family and friends
If it's beyond non-working hours and your dentist cannot be reached, ask friends and family for recommendations. Also, call NHS 111as they will advise you on what to do before you get help as well as give you a list of out-of-hours dental clinics around you.
Book an emergency dental appointment online
Using the list of recommendations from your friends, the NHS 111 and your dentist if any, book an emergency appointment online so that when you get to the clinic, the dentist will get to work right away.
