4 Common Dental Emergencies

When your child’s tooth gets knocked out during a baseball practice, or when you experience excruciating tooth pain that lasts for hours, tensions run high and you may feel unsure about if or how to seek immediate dental assistance. At Made Ya Smile Dental West 8, our experienced team of dentists know that emergency dental care doesn’t always take place during convenient work hours. If you or a family member experience a dental emergency, our team can schedule you in afterhours and during weekends so you can get back to your daily routine.

What is emergency dental care?

Emergency dental care involves getting patients access to appropriate and immediate care for their teeth in the event of physical trauma, sports-related injury, excruciating pain, or rapid swelling of the mouth and gums. Without immediate emergency dental care, certain cases left untreated could lead to infection or tooth loss. At Made Ya Smile Dental West 8, our emergency dentists are available and strive to get you scheduled the same day.

What are four common dental emergencies?

Four of the most common dental emergencies include:

• Toothache

• Chipped or cracked teeth from physical trauma or injury

• Loose or knocked out tooth

• Missing or loose dental restoration

What is not considered a dental emergency?

Lost crowns or missing fillings are not considered a dental emergency. However, patients are welcome to call our office and schedule the next available appointment with one of our dentists to get this addressed as soon as possible.

When should I visit an emergency dentist?

Men and women across the lifespan should seek emergency dental care if they experience any of the following:

• Persistent toothache or tooth pain

• Avulsion (fully knocked-out tooth)

• Extrusion (partially knocked-out tooth)

• Broken teeth or fillings

• Gum or facial swelling

• Unexplained bleeding of the mouth

• Abscessed gums or teeth

• Minor injuries to the lips or mouth

If you have incurred injuries to the face, head, or neck that require medical attention, go to the emergency room first before accessing emergency dental care. If you are unsure if your current situation constitutes a dental emergency, call our office to consult with one of our team members.

What should I expect during my emergency dental care visit?

During your visit, our team will collect digital scans and 3D imaging of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to examine the extent of your injuries or symptoms. Once the dentist determines the root cause of your symptoms, he or she can make the proper treatment recommendations. Patients may have to return for follow-up visits for treatment or check-ups depending on the nature of the injury.

What should I expect during recovery?

Recovery will look different for every patient depending on the treatment provided. For most cases, pain management is a priority. Common at-home remedies may include prescribed antibiotics, over-the-counter pain medications, and ice-packs to reduce swelling and painful symptoms.

Are there ways to prevent a dental emergency?

Although we can’t prevent all dental emergencies, there are ways for us to make emergency visits less frequent, including:

• Wearing mouthguards during sports

• Maintaining a regular dental hygiene routine

• Avoiding chewing hard foods or objects (candy, pen caps, fingernails)

• Eating a nutritious diet to strengthen the teeth

• Drinking plenty of water

Where to go to learn more about emergency dental care

If you reside in or near Houston, TX and would like to learn more about how to access emergency dental care, contact our team at Made Ya Smile Dental West 8 and schedule a consultation today. Our experienced dentists will see you, even at the most challenging hours of the day, to restore your oral health.