Dental emergencies can be painful and overwhelming, but getting help fast can make all the difference. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or another urgent problem, quick treatment can prevent things from getting worse. You should act right away because ignoring dental pain or delaying care might lead to bigger issues.
At Flower Mound Dental, we’re ready to help when you need us most. Call our office immediately if you have severe pain, tooth damage, or any other urgent dental issue. We do our best to see emergency patients the same day and welcome new patients who need urgent care.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation where your teeth, gums, or mouth are in serious pain, injured, or infected. A severe toothache that won’t go away may be a sign of deep decay or an infection that needs immediate attention. If a tooth gets cracked or broken, it can become more damaged without restorative care.
When a tooth is completely knocked out, seeing a dentist right away can improve the chances of saving it. Losing a filling or crown might not seem urgent at first, but it can leave the tooth unprotected and sensitive, leading to further problems. Swollen or bleeding gums could indicate an infection, especially if there’s pain, fever, or pus.
If you’re dealing with any of these issues, don’t wait. The sooner you get treatment, the easier it is to relieve pain and protect your oral health. Call us as soon as possible, and we’ll help you get the care you need.
Common Reasons to Contact Your Dentist Immediately
Some dental problems can’t wait. If you notice any of these issues, reaching out to our Flower Mound dental office as soon as possible will help you find relief quickly.
Severe Toothache
Tooth pain that doesn’t go away or worsens over time could be a sign of deep decay, an infection, or an abscess. You will have nerve damage and severe discomfort if bacteria reach the inner part of the tooth. In some cases, the pain may come and go, but that doesn’t mean the problem has gone away.
A lingering toothache should never be ignored. It could mean the tooth is at risk of needing more extensive treatment, such as a root canal or extraction.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth gets completely knocked out, acting fast can improve the chances of saving it. The best thing to do is pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it with water, and try to place it back in its socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in a container of milk or saliva can help preserve it until you reach the dentist. Seeing a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes gives you the best shot at reattaching the tooth successfully.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
A tooth that has cracked or broken might seem like a minor issue. But even a small crack can expose the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria. This increases the risk of infection, sensitivity, and further breakage.
Sometimes a broken tooth can go way down to your gums, which can make fixing it trickier. It’s a good idea to get it looked at right away to avoid any major issues or discomfort.
Lost Filling or Crown
Fillings and crowns help protect weak or damaged teeth, so losing one can leave the tooth exposed and vulnerable. The tooth can become sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure and may even develop new decay without this protective layer.
Try to keep it in a safe place and bring it to the dentist. The dentist can reattach it in some cases. But if the tooth underneath has changed, you might need a new restoration.
Gum Infection or Abscess
A gum abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms often include swelling, pain, redness, a bad taste in the mouth, or even fever. Without treatment, the infection can spread to other areas of the body and cause serious health risks.
If you notice a bump or swelling on your gums, especially with pain or drainage, see a dentist quickly. Early treatment can prevent the infection from worsening and help protect your overall health.
Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing might be a sign of gingivitis. If the bleeding is persistent, happens without obvious cause, or is accompanied by swelling and tenderness, it could indicate advanced periodontal disease. This condition can lead to bone and tooth loss. While minor bleeding from irritation or injury may heal on its own, you should visit the dentist when you have ongoing gum bleeding.
Swollen Jaw or Face
Swelling in the jaw or face is often linked to serious infections, like an abscessed tooth or a salivary gland infection. These infections can sometimes spread to the rest of your body. If the swelling is accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, it could indicate a serious infection that needs urgent care. Seeking treatment quickly can prevent complications and provide relief from discomfort.
If you experience any of these dental emergencies, don’t wait. Contact Flower Mound Dental right away so we can help you get the care you need.
Benefits of Seeking Dental Care in a Dental Emergency
One of the biggest benefits of fixing a dental emergency is preventing further damage. For example, the damage from a cracked or broken tooth could kill it. A small crack could eventually lead to nerve damage and an extraction. By visiting with us right away, the dentist can repair or stabilize the tooth before having to remove it.
Dental emergencies can be very painful, especially if you are dealing with a toothache, abscess, or injury. Seeking immediate care will help to reduce the pain and discomfort. Our dental care team can provide relief by treating the underlying cause of the pain. The sooner you get help, the quicker you’ll feel better.
Infections in the mouth can spread quickly and cause serious health problems if not treated right away. If you have an abscessed tooth, for example, bacteria can spread to other parts of your body. Seeking dental care immediately can prevent the infection from spreading and help you avoid complications like a fever or swollen lymph nodes. Early treatment helps to prevent further health risks and complications.
Time is crucial when saving a tooth in many dental emergencies. If you lose a tooth because of an accident or injury, it may be possible to save it if you move quickly. We can sometimes re-implant the tooth if you contact them within an hour of losing it. If you go to the dentist sooner, you have a better chance of saving your tooth and not having to get a fake one.
It might be tempting to ignore a dental problem, especially if the pain isn’t too bad or you think it will go away on its own. But waiting too long can make things worse and lead to more expensive issues. A small cavity, for example, can turn into a serious infection that requires a root canal. Getting care right away can save you time, money, and unnecessary pain by stopping the problem before it gets worse.