The Importance of a Local Emergency Dentist
It is recommended that both children and adults should visit a dentist every six months for a cleaning and oral exam. Yet, according to an American Dental Association survey, people on average go three years in between dental appointments. Chances are if you are waiting that long, what brings you back to the dentist is a dental emergency. Here’s what you need to know before looking for a local dentist to help you with your dental emergency.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Some people are never sure if what they’re dealing with is a dental emergency or something that can be addressed later at their next dentist appointment. Some dental issues may be serious, but that doesn’t always mean they are an emergency either. For instance, if you have a chipped tooth or a sensitive one, that’s generally not classified as a dental emergency. On the other hand, if your tooth gets accidentally knocked out or your tooth becomes severely infected, that’s something that needs to be attended to immediately. If you’re not sure whether you have a dental emergency on your hands, it never hurts to call first and speak to a dental professional before going in.
Tips for Finding the Best Local Dentist
If you’re currently faced with a dental emergency, then your best bet is to look for a local dentist. After all, it makes more sense if you can get to your dentist sooner rather than later. If you’re not sure how to find the best local dentist, you can start by asking for recommendations from family and friends. This is the fastest way to find the services you need, especially if you know other people who have previously dealt with a dental emergency. You can also do research online to find a local dentist with great reviews and ratings.
Avoid Delaying When You Need Dental Help
As the term suggests, a dental emergency means you have to act quickly once you notice that something is wrong. You might not be looking forward to going to the dentist, but you should definitely get the issue checked out instead of toughing it out. When a dental emergency is not addressed quickly, it can often result in serious complications. In addition, delaying when you need dental help might leave you with a more expensive dental bill.