Dental emergencies can happen anytime. They can be painful and scary, so it’s good to know what to do if one happens. Flower Mound Dental offers emergency care for patients in Flower Mound, TX who need fast help with dental issues. We also provide general dental services for patients with non-urgent issues.
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, call Flower Mound Dental at 972-640-7891. We’re here to provide the immediate care you need.
Types of Dental Emergencies
At Flower Mound Dental, we handle many dental emergencies with a full range of services. Acting quickly can make a big difference; waiting too long may lead to tooth loss, a spreading infection, or severe pain. Here’s a guide to common dental emergencies and steps you can take:
Severe Toothaches
Severe toothaches are a common dental emergency. If you are experiencing one, it could be due to tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury. In some cases, the pain may be so severe that it is difficult to eat, sleep, or function during the day.
If you experience a severe toothache, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water, then gently floss to remove any trapped food. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the pain doesn’t go away, call us right away.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth gets knocked out, act fast to save it. Find the tooth, rinse it with water, and try not to touch the root. If you can, gently put the tooth back in its socket and hold it in place.
If that’s not possible, put the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and call us. The sooner we treat you, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Bleeding
Heavy bleeding in the mouth can be due to an injury or gum problems. Rinse your mouth with cool water and apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 minutes, please call us or go to the ER.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
A hard hit to the face, biting down on something hard, or decay can chip or break a tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Try to save any broken pieces and give us a call for treatment.
Loose Filling or Crown Falls Out
If your filling or crown falls out, contact us right away to avoid further damage. Until you can get in, you can cover the area with over-the-counter dental cement or denture adhesive. This will protect the tooth and prevent sensitivity or infection.
Loose Tooth
A loose tooth can be caused by an injury or gum disease. Emergency care may help save the tooth if it’s treated within 12 to 24 hours. Contact us as soon as possible.
Abscess or Infection
An abscess or infection is a serious emergency. Infections can spread and make you very sick. If you have severe pain, swelling, or fever, please call us immediately. Quick treatment can prevent the infection from spreading.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Dental emergencies can be painful and scary, and they need fast care. Here, we answer common questions to help you understand what to do in a dental emergency and when to seek immediate help.
What Is a Dental Emergency and When Should I Get Immediate Care?
A dental emergency is when you need quick care for severe pain, an injury, or an infection that can cause major damage if left untreated. Common dental emergencies include a knocked-out tooth, a severe toothache, a cracked or broken tooth, or an injury to the mouth or jaw.
You should get immediate care if you have intense pain, bleeding that won’t stop, or if a tooth gets knocked out. Taking action quickly can help save a tooth and prevent other problems. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call a dentist or emergency clinic for advice.
What Should I Do If I Knock Out a Tooth?
If you knock out a tooth, acting fast can improve the chances of saving it. Here’s what to do:
- Handle the Tooth Carefully: Pick it up by the top part, or crown. Avoid touching the root, as this can damage it.
- Rinse the Tooth: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with water. Don’t scrub it or use soap, as this can harm the tooth.
- Reinsert the Tooth if Possible: If you can, place the tooth back in its socket, then bite down gently to hold it in place.
- Keep the Tooth Moist: If you can’t put the tooth back in, store it in a container of milk or saline solution to keep it moist.
Contact your dentist or an emergency dental clinic right away. The chance of saving the tooth is best within an hour of the injury.
How Can I Handle Severe Tooth Pain Until I See a Dentist?
Severe tooth pain can be hard to deal with, but here are some steps to ease the discomfort:
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain until you see a dentist.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Place a cold pack on the outside of your cheek near the painful area. This can reduce swelling and numb the area.
- Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Stay away from hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks, as these can make the pain worse.
- Rinse with Salt Water: A warm saltwater rinse can reduce swelling and clean the area around the tooth.
These steps can help relieve pain for a short time, but it’s important to see a dentist soon to treat the cause of the pain.
What Are Some Signs That I Might Need Emergency Dental Care?
There are several signs that mean you may need emergency dental care. These include:
- Sudden, severe tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling or redness around a tooth or your gums
- A visible injury to your teeth or mouth
- Trouble breathing or swallowing due to swelling
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
- A tooth that has been knocked out, cracked, or broken
If you have any of these signs, seek emergency care right away to prevent further damage and treat any infection or injury. These symptoms often need fast treatment to keep your mouth healthy.
Should I Wait to See My Regular Dentist, or Go to an Emergency Dental Clinic?
If you have a dental emergency and your regular dentist is not available, it’s best to visit an emergency dental clinic. These clinics are set up to handle urgent cases and can treat problems outside of normal hours. Waiting for your regular dentist can make the problem worse, leading to more pain or damage.
If your regular dentist can see you right away, they can handle your emergency. Contact them as soon as you can, but if they’re not available, head to an emergency clinic to get help fast.
What Can I Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit?
At an emergency dental visit, the dentist will:
- Examine Your Mouth: They’ll check the problem area to see what’s wrong. They may take X-rays or run other tests to understand the full scope of the issue.
- Give Pain Relief: If you’re in pain, the dentist may provide something to ease it right away.
- Start Treatment: Depending on the issue, they may fix or remove a damaged tooth, treat an infection, or take other steps to protect your health.
- Provide Care Instructions: The dentist will explain how to care for the area at home to help with healing. If more treatments are needed, they’ll let you know what to expect next.
Emergency dental visits are designed to get you out of pain, prevent further problems, and start you on the road to recovery.
Flower Mound Dental offers expert emergency care for patients in Flower Mound, TX. If you’re facing a dental emergency, it’s important to get help quickly. Call us to schedule an emergency visit and get the care you need to protect your smile.