What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
If you experience a medical emergency, you know to head to urgent care or your nearest hospital emergency room. But what if you have an oral health problem? Recognizing what counts as a dental emergency and when to seek care can help ensure the best possible outcomes for your smile. At Dentistry of Fort Worth, we strive to provide prompt relief from pain or discomfort and save a tooth whenever possible. You can count on us for personalized care with a gentle, compassionate touch.
Is It a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a dental concern that requires immediate care. While some concerns, such as minor chips, sore gums, or mild sensitivity, warrant a visit to your Fort Worth emergency dentist, they may not require emergency care. However, other concerns may require more immediate attention.
The following are some general signs that you may be experiencing a dental emergency:
- A sharp, persistent, or worsening toothache
- A knocked-out, dislodged, cracked, or broken tooth
- A loose or shifting permanent tooth
- Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw
- A pimple-like bump on the gums indicating an abscess
- A broken or loose dental crown or filling
- Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop with pressure
A dental emergency may not always look as serious as it really is, and without evaluation by your emergency dentist, you risk complications. So when in doubt, make sure to contact our office for guidance. We will help you determine whether you need same-day emergency care or if you can wait until the next day or the next available appointment.
What Should You Do in a Dental Emergency Situation?
At Dentistry of Fort Worth, we offer same-day appointments to get your smile back on track as quickly as possible. If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency, give us a call. We will ask you about your concerns and provide care instructions to manage your emergency.
The following are some of the most common dental emergencies and general guidelines on things you can do until our team sees you:
A Severe, Persistent Toothache: Rinse with warm water and floss around the painful tooth in case there’s food debris trapped there that’s causing the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease your discomfort, but avoid placing aspirin onto your gums to avoid irritating the soft tissues.
A Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: Hold the tooth by its crown, not the root, and gently clean it with water, if needed. If possible, return the tooth carefully into its socket. If that’s not an option, keep it moist in some milk and contact us without delay. The sooner a knocked-out tooth is treated, the better the chances of saving it. When it comes to knocked-out baby teeth, it’s important to seek care. However, we typically do not recommend reimplanting the affected tooth to avoid damage to the developing permanent tooth.
A Chipped, Broken, or Cracked Tooth: Rinse your mouth, collect any broken pieces of the tooth, and place them in milk to keep them moist. If you have swelling, cold compresses can help. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
Swelling of the Gums, Face, or Jaw: Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw can be a sign of an infection or an abscess and should never be ignored. Rinse gently with warm water and contact our office without delay. If the swelling is spreading and severe or you have difficulty breathing, head to your nearest hospital emergency room for immediate care.
Injury to the Lips, Tongue, or Cheeks: Rinse to clean the area and apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control any bleeding. If the bleeding is heavy and does not slow down after several minutes or if the injury is severe, visit your nearest hospital emergency room.
A Lost Filling or Crown: A lost or damaged dental filling or crown can leave your tooth exposed and prone to further damage or decay. Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect any exposed tooth structure and contact us to schedule an appointment.
Note: In the event of a severe injury or a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or head to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Emergency Dental Treatment Near Me in Fort Worth, TX
If you are in need of emergency dental care, contact Dentistry of Fort Worth without delay. Our experienced dentists and patient-centered team will recommend the most conservative treatment options to get your smile back on track, while ensuring your comfort and well-being at every step. Call us at (817) 765-1600 to schedule an appointment or request one online today.