Dental injuries are among the most common health issues that most people encounter in life. Such injuries occur at different levels; some are minor, while others can be severe. It’s advisable never to overlook any dental emergency as it can result in permanent tooth injury. One of the questions that many people often ask is – where can I get help if I have a dental emergency?
Do I Have a Dental Emergency? What You Need to Know
A dental emergency occurs when you experience dental conditions that require medical attention during the night or out-of-office hours. Whenever you find yourself battling a dental issue, make arrangements to visit Lovett Dental Pearland immediately. It’s worth knowing that not all toothaches qualify as dental emergencies.
Statistics reveal that approximately 22% of people in the US have experienced dental pain within the past six months. To establish whether you have a dental emergency, ask yourself:
- Are you in severe pain and bleeding? Sharp dental pains accompanied by bleeding indicate a possible dental emergency.
- Have you lost one or more teeth? Seeking fast medical attention can prevent the loss of a tooth.
- Do you have a loose tooth? It would be best if you did not tamper with loose teeth, but any weak teeth indicate a dental emergency.
- Do you have any signs of infection, especially in the mouth? If your mouth is swollen, it shows a disease that requires quick treatment.
- Do you experience difficulty in chewing accompanied by numbness of the teeth? If so, you need to contact a clinic that offers emergency dental services in Texas.
What Are the Common Dental Emergencies?
If you’re suffering from one of the common dental emergencies, you can take some essential steps to get temporary relief before going to the clinic. However, seek prompt medical intervention to avoid continually wondering – do I have a dental emergency?
Toothache
Toothache is a widespread problem among dental emergency patients; it indicates a possible root cause, which could be a bigger problem. The leading causes include a decaying tooth, the rapture of ligaments, and an eruption of wisdom teeth. You can relieve the pain by cleaning the affected part using warm water. Use a cold compress to prevent swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
According to the American Association of Endodontists, it’s possible to reinstate a knocked-out tooth if the victim takes swift action. For an adult, pick the tooth carefully by the crown and avoid touching the root. Rinse it with clean water without scrubbing. Carefully reinsert it into its socket. If you cannot manage reinsertion, place the tooth carefully in a small container filled with milk and head to the dental clinic.
Do not attempt to reinstate the tooth if you’re handling a child. Instead, consult a dentist.
Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth resulting from fractures can lead to severe pain. If you suffer from a cracked tooth, the first step is to clean your mouth using warm water. Also, use cold-compress on the affected area to minimize swelling.
Avoid using a numbing gel or painkillers because they can damage your gums. Instead, use acetaminophen to relieve pain.
What to Expect in a Dental Clinic
Once you check into the clinic, the dentists will determine the kind of treatment you need. The clinic will offer relief for your condition through a variety of dentistry methods, including:
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatments
- Tooth-colored composite fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Houston sedation dentistry
At Lovett Dental Pearland, we understand that dental emergencies can still happen even when you observe proper dental hygiene. People who have experienced dental illness ask: Do I have a dental emergency? Contact our dentist for more information about your condition. Call 281-416-5844 to schedule an emergency appointment.
