If you’re wondering if you have a dental emergency, the answer depends on the level of pain you feel and the severity of your symptoms. Dental emergencies are injuries that need immediate care. If you’re bleeding, in extreme pain, or losing teeth, these are good signs that you need emergency dental care. Emergency dental services are those that are available 24 hours a day and on the weekends. While you can visit an emergency room, there are also emergency dentists that service their clients in an emergency situation.
Do I Have a Dental Emergency?
Medically speaking, a dental emergency is any injury to the teeth, jaws, or gums. Even if an injury appears to be mild at the moment, this type of emergency situation can be extremely serious if you don’t receive the proper treatment. Without immediate action, these injuries can result in costly and extensive treatment, and at times, death.
Situations that are dental emergencies are those that require immediate treatment by dental professionals at our general dentistry. A tooth that’s forcefully dislodged is one emergency that needs immediate care. If you act quickly enough after your tooth falls out, your dentist will be able to reinsert it. Make sure to carefully pick your tooth up by its crown, taking care to avoid the root. Rinse the tooth in warm water and reattach it or store it in milk while en route to the dentist.
If your tooth is partially dislodged, your dentist will have an easier time trying to repair it. Avoid touching your tooth with your tongue or fingers to help keep it in place. Treat the outside of your mouth with an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain.
An abscess or infection is another dental emergency that needs immediate treatment. This painful infection is in the bone or the gums and can cause significant damage to the teeth, bone, and gum tissue if left untreated. In worst-case scenarios, bacteria in the abscess can spread out to other areas in the body, causing serious illness.
A lost crown or filling is another problem that is a dental emergency. If this issue isn’t treated immediately, you can easily damage your teeth. Likewise, any injury to your gum or jaw needs immediate attention to reduce the bleeding and risk of complications.
What to Do If I Have a Dental Emergency
In a dental emergency, it is essential that you take immediate action. If you aren’t able to see your dentist, find a dentist near you that can see you immediately. In the event that no one is available, the emergency room may be the best option for you.
If you aren’t in excruciating pain and you aren’t bleeding extensively, you may want to call ahead to your dentist. While your dentist will likely want to see you as soon as they can, your dentist can help you assess your situation and determine whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency. If you don’t have an emergency issue, your dentist can advise you on how best to treat your issue.
How Do I Avoid Dental Emergencies?
Avoiding dental emergencies isn’t always possible, but regular teeth cleaning at the dentist can help to promote positive oral health. Regular hygiene visits allow dentists to monitor the health of your teeth and use proactive treatments to reduce the likelihood of future dental emergencies.
In addition to regular visits to the dentist, be sure to follow a strict oral hygiene routine. Remember to brush and floss at least twice a day to keep your teeth healthy. Additionally, try to stick to a healthy diet that will help to protect your teeth. Avoiding foods that are excessively chewy or tough will help to keep your teeth safe.
Dental emergencies aren’t always avoidable, but taking care of your teeth starts with regular dental visits. Make sure you’re prioritizing your oral health by scheduling regular appointments. Contact Lovett Dental Gulfgate at 713-847-8822 to learn about treatment options near you.
