Emergency Care
Your go-to dentist for unexpected problems
Emergency Care
Dental Emergencies, We Are Here To Help!
With dental emergencies being more common than you might think, the best course of action is to simply reach out to your RGV Family Dentistry professional today. Those “unemergency” issues often are left untreated, leading to inflammation and pain.
Although a lost tooth or dental pain should be addressed immediately, dental issues like missing teeth, cracked teeth, and problems with dental crowns are serious but may not be considered emergencies.
When a dental accident occurs and you need immediate treatment, call us at RGV Family Dentistry today to make sure that you understand what qualifies as an emergency.
What are Common Causes of Dental Emergencies?
One of the most common dental emergencies is a toothache. A toothache is usually caused by a cavity or an infection. Other common causes of dental emergencies include cracked or broken teeth, gum disease, and abscesses.
If you have a dental emergency, it’s important to reach out to the professionals at RGV Family Dentistry to seek treatment as soon as possible. delay can cause the condition to worsen and may lead to more serious complications.
What Are Some Common Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies can include a wide variety of problems, but some of the most common are chipped teeth, cracked teeth, knocked-out teeth, and abscesses.
Chipped teeth can happen due to an accident or from biting down on something hard. If you have a small chip, it may not require any treatment other than smoothing the edges. However, if the chip is large or if it affects the nerve of the tooth, you may need a crown or other dental work.
Cracked teeth usually occur due to trauma, such as being hit in the mouth or biting down on something hard. They can also happen if you have advanced gum disease that weakens the tooth structure. Cracks can range from small and barely noticeable to large and severe, and they can cause pain when you bite down or eat hot or cold foods. Depending on the size and severity of the crack, your RGV Family Dentistry dentist may recommend bonding, a crown, or even extraction.
Knocked-out teeth are another type of dental emergency that can be caused by an accident or trauma to the mouth. If possible, try to find the tooth and bring it with you to your dentist appointment. In some cases, the tooth can be replanted, but this is not always possible depending on the severity of the injury.
Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in between your gums and teeth. They often cause intense pain and pressure in your mouth.
Are Toothaches Considered Dental Emergencies?
Toothaches can be incredibly painful, and they are often a sign of a more serious dental issue. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. While not all toothaches are considered dental emergencies, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek professional help.
If you have a toothache that is accompanied by swelling, fever, or other symptoms of infection, this is considered a dental emergency and you should call RGV Family Dentistry immediately. If you have a toothache that is not accompanied by any other symptoms, you may be able to wait to see a dentist during regular business hours. However, if the pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, you should still seek professional help.
No matter what type of toothache you are experiencing, it is important to keep your mouth clean and free of debris. Gently brush your teeth and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use warm water to rinse. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help manage the pain until you can see a dentist.
How Do I Know if What I am Experiencing is Actually a Dental Emergency?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be having a dental emergency:
- Toothache that is severe and/or lasts longer than two days
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lasts longer than two days
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling in the mouth, face, or jaw
- Bleeding from the gums
- A broken tooth
- A lost filling or crown
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek dental care as soon as possible. Dental emergencies can often be resolved quickly and easily if they are treated early. However, if they are left untreated, they can become more serious and painful, and may even result in tooth loss.
What Should I do if I have a Dental Emergency?
If you have a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is call our office. We will do everything we can to get you in as soon as possible. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, we recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medication until you are able to be seen. If you have swelling, apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce the swelling. If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, try to find the tooth and bring it with you when you come in.
We at RGV Family Dentistry Can Help
No one ever thinks they will be in a dental emergency, but accidents happen. If you find yourself in need of urgent dental care, we are here to help. Our experienced team provides comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, including emergency services.
We understand that a dental emergency can be a stressful and frightening experience. That is why we offer compassionate, gentle care to help put our patients at ease. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the treatment you need as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Whether you are experiencing a toothache, have suffered an injury to your teeth or gums, or just need urgent dental care, we are here to help. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
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