Dental emergencies are serious tooth or gum problems that require immediate care. In some cases, emergency dental procedures are done to prevent tooth loss. Other emergencies require prompt care to prevent serious complications from occurring, such as a widespread infection. It is essential to understand what a dental emergency is so you can get the help you need. At Lovett Dental Humble, we are trained to treat a variety of issues, including dental emergencies. Contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about our general dentistry services.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
How can you tell if you should head to the Lovett Dental Humble office for immediate treatment or wait until you can schedule a visit? Some types of dental emergencies can be difficult to identify, but knowing when you have one can be crucial. In general, severe pain or injuries to your teeth or mouth require emergency care. Some of the most common types of dental emergencies include:
Tooth Pain and Infections
Toothaches can indicate an infection or occur for other reasons. Mild tooth pain usually does not require emergency care, but you should seek prompt care for severe tooth pain. Tooth infections can spread to other areas of your body, which can lead to serious health issues. Emergency dentists at Lovett Dental Humble can determine the cause of a toothache or treat an infection as needed.
Cracked Teeth
A cracked tooth might need immediate care if it is severe. A minor or slight crack might be able to wait for treatment until you can set up an appointment. Severe cracks need emergency care to lower the risk of infections since bacteria can easily enter these teeth.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Knocked-out teeth require prompt care to reduce the risk of permanent tooth loss. In some cases, you might be able to put the tooth back in place until you can see your Lovett Dental Humble dentist. If this is not possible, you can bring the tooth with you so that your dentist can try to restore it.
Foreign Objects in the Mouth
If a foreign object or item gets stuck between your teeth, you can try to get it out using floss or a toothbrush. If the object is stuck firmly in place, you should get emergency dental care to remove it, preventing damage or injuries from occurring.
Jaw Pain and Injuries
Jaw pain can occur due to infections or other causes, including injuries. If you have a jaw infection or a jaw injury, you will require emergency dental care to lower the risk of complications.
What to Do for a Dental Emergency
Knowing what a dental emergency is helps ensure that you get the prompt treatment you need. What you should do about it depends on the kind of dental emergency that you are experiencing.
- If a tooth has been knocked out, you should put it in a clean container of milk to keep it from drying out. Your dentist might be able to restore it so that you don’t permanently lose that tooth.
- If you are having severe pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever for short-term relief while waiting for treatment.
- If you have swelling, you can apply an ice pack to the outside of your face in the affected area.
Contact Lovett Dental Humble for Dental Emergencies
If you need help for dental emergencies or if you have any questions about what a dental emergency is, call Lovett Dental Humble at 281-441-9000 as soon as possible, and we can help you. Additionally, if you would like to schedule a regular appointment for a dental cleaning, contact us today.
