Taking care of your teeth requires regular dentist check-ups and proper hygiene. There are times when you may also need emergency dental services. Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I have a dental emergency?” Many people have, so it’s good to know how to identify one and what to do about it.
In an emergency situation, you will experience extensive pain in your teeth, gums, or jaw. If this is a result of an injury, infection, or similar problem, you need to seek immediate care. Read on to learn more about identifying dental emergencies.
What Are Dental Emergencies?
If the pain in your mouth is too severe for you to eat or you are experiencing excessive bleeding, you are correct in thinking, “I have a dental emergency.” The most common dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, an injury to the mouth, unbearable pain, broken teeth, infections, and bleeding.
Knocked-out teeth create a serious dental issue. Should your tooth get knocked out, act quickly to reach an emergency dentist that can reinsert it. It is important to rinse the tooth off, taking care to avoid touching the root and reinsert it if possible. If not, place the tooth in a container of milk and bring it to an emergency dentist. The sooner you can see the dentist, the more likely your tooth will be able to reattach.
Unbearable pain is another common sign of a dental emergency. The level of pain you feel may indicate a cracked tooth or abscess. Contact a dentist at Lovett Dental Conroe if you feel incredible pain, as this may be a sign that you need immediate treatment.
Broken teeth aren’t life-threatening, but you should seek help for them quickly. While a small chip to the tooth isn’t as serious, losing a significant amount of your tooth requires immediate attention. This is especially true if you are in serious pain.
Infections are a common dental emergency. Without proper treatment, your infection can easily spread throughout your body. Call a dentist immediately if you believe you have an infection, as taking action early on will help prevent any further complications.
Excessive bleeding is another alarming symptom of a dental emergency since blood in your mouth can indicate a serious condition. Make sure to call your dentist if you are experiencing bleeding in your mouth.
If I Have a Dental Emergency, What Do I Do?
In a dental emergency, it’s important that you get treatment at our general dentistry quickly. If you’ve experienced symptoms like those mentioned above, call your dentist as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your dentist, find a nearby emergency dentist, urgent-care clinic, or hospital emergency room.
While you’re waiting, you may be able to take over-the-counter medication to relieve the pain. Be sure to consult a medical professional for a recommendation. You may be able to use a cold compress to reduce any swelling.
How Can I Avoid Dental Emergencies?
If you’ve ever experienced a dental emergency, you may wonder how to protect yourself in the future. The best way to avoid future dental emergencies is to visit your dentist regularly for teeth cleaning and hygiene visits. In addition to cleaning your teeth during your appointment, your dentist will be able to create a treatment plan to address any potential issues.
In addition to visiting your dentist, it’s wise to be proactive by practicing good dental hygiene. Likewise, be sure to wear protective gear when playing sports or engaging in other high-contact physical activities.
Don’t wait to get treatment. Contact an emergency dentist that can treat you right away. Contact Lovett Dental Conroe 936-760-2400 for more details on our emergency services.
