What is a Dental Emergency?

The first person you should reach out to if you have a dental emergency is your dentist. Most dentists have emergency dental appointments available. It is important that you have the after-hours contact information for your dental office available at all times. Whether you are at home, work, or even traveling, the tips below will help you manage any dental emergencies until you arrive at your dentist’s clinic. Seeing a dentist within 20 minutes or less can make a difference in saving and losing a tooth.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency in Mission, TX?

A study done by the American Family Physician reported that about 22 percent of the general population had suffered oral pain or dental problems in the last six months. The study reports how frequent dental emergencies can be. 

Keep in mind that not every situation is declared to be a dental emergency. Ask yourself these questions below to help you identify if you need to take yourself to an emergency dentist or if you can set a consultation this weekend instead:

• Is your mouth bleeding? Consider this a potential sign of an emergency. 
• Have you lost a tooth? Taking a trip to the ER can save a tooth. 
• Do you have a loose tooth? A loose tooth can be a serious problem, even more for adults.
• Do you have an infection? Pay attention to knots or swelling on your gums or around the face. A serious infection in your mouth is another serious problem that should be considered a dental emergency. 
• Are you in extreme pain? Bleeding and extreme pain are signs of an emergency.

You are experiencing a dental emergency if you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms above. Dental problems that need an immediate response to save a tooth, relieve severe pain, or stop the bleeding is considered a dental emergency. Call your dentist as soon as possible, and if your dentist isn’t available at the moment, you may need to go to the ER or call for emergency dentist services.

What Are Common Dental Emergencies?

If you are already facing a dental emergencies, here is what you can do: 

Knocked-Out Tooth

With immediate response, your dentist can still preserve a knocked-out tooth. Slowly pick up the tooth by the top or crown. Ensure that you never touch the root. Return the tooth back in the socket if you can. If not, keep it in a clean container. You can increase the probability of saving a knocked-out tooth by going to the dentist as soon as possible.

Cracked Tooth

Usually, a cracked tooth does not hurt and isn’t considered an emergency. However, you should be careful when chewing to prevent it from cracking more. A cracked tooth is a serious problem; the damage is both on the outside and inside. In the worst cases, a cracked tooth can no longer be saved. 

If the cracked tooth is causing you discomfort or serious pain, call an emergency dentist right away. Follow these steps while waiting for your dentist:

• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
• Apply a cold compress to the cheeks to reduce swelling
• Avoid taking pain killers or using a numbing gel, as it could harm the gums. 

You will need an x-ray for the dentist to accurately diagnose the state of your tooth. You might only need a crown if the pulp isn’t damaged. If the tooth pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, is damaged, you might need a root canal. 

Other dentists make their permanent-crowns in-office and perform them on the day of the emergency; others make the crown in an outside laboratory. You will have to use a temporary crown while the dentist makes a permanent one. In cases where a tooth cannot be saved, dentists will suggest alternatives such as bridges and implant-supported restorations for replacing missing teeth.

Loose Tooth

If a tooth is loose, call your dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible. You can put the tooth back to its position in the meantime. Push the tooth without force but only with minimal pressure. You can also keep the tooth from moving by biting down.

Tissue Injury and Facial Pain

Injuries such as lacerations, tears to the lips, cheeks, mouth, and tongue, and puncture wounds are called tissue injuries and are also considered a dental emergency. If you suffer any kind of tissue injury, ensure that you clean the area with warm water immediately. If the bleeding is from the tongue, slowly pull it forward and place pressure using gauze. Go to the nearest emergency room or an oral surgeon as quickly as possible. 

You can minimize facial pain caused by a tissue injury by taking acetaminophen. Avoid using ibuprofen or aspirin for a dental emergency since they are anticoagulants, meaning they cause excessive bleeding.

Other Dental Emergencies

Any dental problem that requires on-the-spot treatment to stop tissue bleeding, minimize pain, and save a tooth is a dental emergency. A severe infection in the mouth can be lethal and must be dealt with immediately. Your dentist might perform the primary stage of a root canal or transfer you to a root canal specialist (endodontist). 

Non-Emergency Dental Problems

There are dental issues that aren’t considered an emergency. One example of a non-emergency dental problem is cavities. Having cavities will lead you to toothache or tooth sensitivity when biting down. Although treatment can wait, you should still schedule a visit to your dentist – untreated cavities can lead to complications such as tooth abscesses. A consultation may save you from needing an emergency dentist visit in the future.

How Can You Avoid Potential Emergencies

You can prevent dental emergencies by staying proactive in oral hygiene and have occasional check-ups with the dentist. During check-ups, your dentist will assess your oral health and check if there are signs of infection, gum disease, or decay. If you have had a dental emergency, be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare directions to avoid infection or any other potential risks. Always pay attention to what your teeth tell you and watch for signs that may need an emergency visit to the dentist.

Wrap Up

Proactive oral hygiene may keep dental problems away, but accidents or emergencies happen. Keep in mind that when facing an emergency, time is of the essence to prevent the problem from getting worse. 

In search for an Emergency Dental Clinic in Mission, TX? Contact Iman Dental Center Now! We are here for you whenever you need emergency dental services.