Do I have a dental emergency? It’s usually obvious, as in the case of a severe injury or infection. But other situations are less clear. You feel some discomfort, maybe some pain, but it seems like you can make it through to the next appointment.
Thankfully, the dental profession has good rules of thumb to follow in determining the course of action when you realize, “I have a dental emergency.” Anytime you have pain in your teeth or gums, it’s usually a time to seek some professional advice. If you have a dental emergency, there’s no time to waste. Contact Lovett Dental Sharpstown at 281-975-5560 today.
Do I Have a Dental Emergency?
You have a mishap and sustain a blow to your mouth. Your first thought may well be: “I have a dental emergency.”
But what about instances that aren’t quite as clear cut? Can a dental issue constitute an emergency even if it might not look like it?
The answer is yes. The small ache that seems like nothing can be a major problem in the morning.
So then, what is a dental emergency? Here are some scenarios that might warrant a call for help:
- Infection
- An injury that knocks out or breaks a tooth
- Loose braces wire
- Bleeding
- Painful swelling
- Tooth or jaw pain
- Loose dentures
Should you conclude, “I have a dental emergency,” take solace in the fact that you are not alone. Not even close. Dental emergencies are a major factor in the costs of health care in the United States.
Each year, over eight hundred thousand people seek emergency room treatment for dental problems of one kind or another. But emergency rooms aren’t equipped to administer long-term dental care. They can only stabilize a situation, so it is vital to follow up with our team at Lovett Dental Sharpstown.
The most crucial reason to determine if you have a dental emergency is understanding what to do next. You can save yourself a significant amount of time and money.
Tips to Follow for a Dental Emergency
If your emergency is more severe — say the result of an injury — you can take steps immediately to improve your chances of a good outcome, according to the ADA.
Take, for example, if you’ve had a tooth knocked out. The ADA recommends that you try to keep the tooth from drying out. If possible, slide the tooth back into the area it came from (though you want to make sure you do not touch the root.)
If it won’t go back in the socket, it’s OK to keep the tooth between your cheek and gums, or you can put it in a baggie with milk.
In the case of a cracked tooth, make sure to do a thorough rinse with warm water. You want to keep the area free of bacteria or food debris, which can cause further difficulties. If you sense any swelling, use ice or some other cold compress. If you’ve bitten your lip, make sure you rinse to keep your mouth as clean as can be.
Knowing what to do when you conclude that you do have a dental emergency can help you get through treatment as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Contact Lovett Dental Sharpstown Immediately for a Dental Emergency
Sometimes dental issues are minor, and other times they can be severe. If you’re wondering, “do I have a dental emergency?” then it might be time to call. The clinical team at Lovett Dental Sharpstown is ready to assist you. Our dentists are skilled in emergency dentistry, whether the result of toothache or traumatic injury. We also provide general dentistry support, such as professional teeth cleaning, fillings and sealants, and dental crowns and bridges. Regular visits dental visits can keep emergencies to a minimum, so contact us at 281-975-5560 for an appointment today.
