Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can take many forms. Some require immediate attention, while others should be evaluated promptly to prevent the problem from getting worse. Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- A knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth
- A cracked, broken, or severely damaged tooth
- A dental abscess or signs of infection
- A lost dental restoration that causes pain or leaves the tooth vulnerable
- A dental injury caused by an accident or sports-related impact
- Severe sensitivity or pain after dental treatment
When Should I Go to the ER Versus an Emergency Dentist?
We recommend contacting our office for most dental emergencies so we can determine the appropriate level of care. An emergency dentist is generally the right choice for problems involving the teeth, gums, or other structures in the mouth.
However, some situations require immediate medical attention. Go to the emergency room if you have severe facial trauma, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling that is affecting your airway. When in doubt, seek immediate medical care for potentially life-threatening symptoms.
What Should I Do Before Seeing an Emergency Dentist?
Knowing what to do while waiting for care can help protect your smile and reduce discomfort. Here are some general steps for common dental emergencies:
- Knocked-out tooth: Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Gently rinse it if it is dirty, but do not scrub it. Keep it moist and bring it with you when you come to our office.
- Severe toothache: Gently rinse with warm water and carefully clean around the tooth. Avoid placing aspirin directly against your gums or tooth.
- Bleeding: Apply gentle, consistent pressure with clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop or is severe, seek immediate medical attention.
- Lost filling or restoration: Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Contact us so we can determine the appropriate next step.
- Broken or cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces. A cold compress applied to the outside of your face may help with swelling.
- Dental abscess: Contact our office promptly for evaluation. A warm saltwater rinse may temporarily help keep the area clean, but an infection requires professional evaluation.
- Swelling: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in short intervals and contact our office for guidance.
- Loose permanent tooth: Avoid touching or wiggling the tooth and contact our office as soon as possible. Prompt treatment may help protect the tooth.
Schedule Emergency Dental Care in Waxahachie
A dental emergency should never be ignored. Prompt evaluation can help prevent a small problem from becoming more serious and may give you more options for preserving your natural teeth. If you are experiencing an urgent dental concern, contact our team at Silk Dental Wellness so we can help determine the next step.
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