Dental emergencies can occur at any time. You might be playing soccer on a Saturday and have a tooth knocked out. Or a painful toothache can pop up unexpectedly as a result of untreated tooth decay. Broken, cracked, or dislodged teeth should be looked at by a general dentist right away.
Understanding what does and doesn’t constitute a dental emergency can help you reach out for help when you need it. Situations that require emergency dental services can ruin your day as well as your smile. It can be scary, particularly if you aren’t sure what to expect. There are many potential causes of a dental emergency. Contact your dentist if you are experiencing pain, bleeding, or have gone through dental trauma such as a blow to the mouth.
Conditions That Require Emergency Dental Services
The most common conditions that require emergency dental services include:
- Serious bleeding
- Broken, loose, or lost tooth
- Tooth abscesses
Reach out to your specialty dentist if you experience any of the above. Additionally, there are several steps you can take before seeing your dentist that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Soft Tissue Bleeding
Bleeding can be scary, particularly when there’s a lot of it. Soft tissues include your lips, tongue, lips, and gums. These areas can bleed more than you might expect because there are many blood vessels close to the surface. The good news is that the wound may be much less serious than the amount of blood indicates.
Of course, if you sustain any type of injury to your face and experience significant bleeding that doesn’t stop within a few minutes, you should seek emergency dental services. In the meantime, put pressure on the area with a piece of gauze or clean cloth.
Broken, Loose, or Lost Tooth
Broken, loose, or lost teeth can occur for a few reasons. Often, they occur due to an injury to the mouth. Common accidents are falls, car crashes, punches, or being hit with an object. They can also occur due to eating hard foods or tooth decay.
If a tooth is broken, save the pieces if you can and seek emergency dental services. You may or may not experience pain, depending on the area that is broken. However, without treatment, a broken tooth can lead to decay.
If the tooth is extremely loose or knocked out of its normal position, you will also need emergency services. Do not attempt to chew food or push it back into its original position. This can cause more damage. Apply gentle pressure if there is bleeding and seek dental treatment as soon as possible.
If a tooth is knocked out, your dentist may be able to save it. Time is of the essence. Retrieve your tooth. You will need to hold it by the crown and rinse away any dirt or debris. Do not remove any tissue from the root of the tooth.
You can attempt to reinsert the tooth into the socket, but do not force it. If reinsertion isn’t possible, put the tooth in milk. Use a cold compress for swelling and pain. Seek emergency dental services immediately. The best chance of saving your tooth is to get treatment in the first hour after the tooth is lost.
Tooth Abscesses
An abscess is a painful infection that can occur in the tooth itself or in the gumline. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or a high fever, you are in need of emergency dental services. An abscess can damage your tooth and the surrounding tissues. It can also cause bone loss in the area. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of your body.
Gargling with warm salt water can provide some relief, but only dental treatment will cure the infection. If you notice swelling or a small blister on your gums, it is best to seek treatment before the infection gets worse.
Emergency Services at Lovett Dental Katy
If you are in need of emergency dental services, contact Lovett Dental Katy at 832-437-6477. We are able to treat many conditions, including those requiring oral surgery or periodontics. Our friendly staff will listen to your situation and guide you to the treatment you need.
In addition to our emergency dental services, we offer general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry services. If you’re unhappy with your smile, teeth whitening or dental veneers can boost your confidence. And if you’re looking for a dental practice where you can bring your whole family, Lovett Dental Katy can help. During a regular cleaning, your dentist will check for any potential issues. Treating tooth decay or other oral health problems early on can help prevent dental emergencies in the future.
