How To Know If Your Dental Pain Is An Emergency
There is no denying that dental pain hurts and it can be very disruptive to life. But is it an emergency? How can you tell when dental pain is something more serious that requires attention right away?
This article explores how to know if your dental pain is an emergency.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dentists see patients for all sorts of reasons, from dental cleanings to extractions and everything in between. They always leave time each day to address those calls that come in with dental emergencies. Below are a few of the most common —
- A tooth that is knocked out
- Swelling or abscess
- Soft tissue injuries
- Severe toothache
- Fractured or broken tooth
- A tooth cracked at the gum line
- Lost filling or crown
These dental emergencies may warrant a visit immediately or the next available appointment. When you contact your dentist, they can guide you in the next steps to take.
When Dental Pain Becomes an Emergency
Many things can happen with your teeth, gums, and jaw that require the attention of a dentist. However, if you are experiencing any of the following, you may be dealing with a dental emergency — especially if the pain is truly severe or infection is present.
How can you tell? Look for these symptoms:
- Fever
- Swelling of the face or jaw
- A pimple-like, pus-filled bump on the gums
- Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
These are signs that you may have an infection and it must be addressed as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of your mouth and even into your bloodstream. If this occurs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency and should visit the closest emergency room.
Reduce Your Risk of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the chance of having one by taking a few steps.
Make sure you are thoroughly brushing your teeth every day, twice a day, as well as flossing at least once every day. And, of course, always visit your dentist every six months for a professional dental clearing and exam. Follow up with any recommended treatment to halt concerns before they get worse and become a dental emergency.
A few other things to consider include:
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports
- Stop biting your nails, chewing on pen caps, etc.
- Don’t use your teeth to open bottles or plastic packaging
- Try not to eat hard things too often, such as ice, hard candy, etc.
The better you care for your teeth, the less you will have to worry about needing emergency dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Emergencies
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
Small chips that do not cause any pain or discomfort are not considered a dental emergency and can wait until the next available dental appointment. Large chips or those that lead to pain or bleeding should be treated as a dental emergency.
What to do if a tooth is knocked out?
Swift action needs to be taken when a tooth is knocked out. Find the tooth, picking it up by the crown only. Rinse and place it back in the socket. If this cannot be done, keep it moist in milk or saliva. Contact your dentist right away as time is of the essence.
Emergency Dental Care at El Paso Family Dental
If you find yourself dealing with a dental emergency, you can trust that your dental team at El Paso Family Dental will be there for you every step of the way.
Contact us at 915-585-2020.