Your teeth, jaws, and gums are vulnerable to disease and injury just like the rest of your body. Minor problems can be treated with routine dental care. When the problems become too severe, emergency dental treatment may be required.
When we talk about dental emergencies, we refer to dental problems that require immediate treatment. These situations can arise when you least expect them, and recognizing them for what they are and seeking immediate treatment is essential to protecting your long-term dental health.
Common Kinds of Dental Emergencies
What do dentists consider to be a dental emergency? There are several types of dental problems that may require emergency attention:
- Tooth pain
- Missing tooth
- Loose tooth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Lost fillings
- Abscess or infection
- Ongoing gum bleeding
Treatment for a dental emergency depends on the cause. If an infection like an abscess is the reason for the tooth pain, an emergency root canal procedure may be required. An emergency tooth extraction may be necessary to remove a broken or chipped tooth. A missing filling or crown can be replaced. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, additional treatments may be necessary.
When Should a Toothache be Considered a Dental Emergency?
Toothaches are a common dental ailment. There are many sources of tooth pain. If the tooth pain is the result of a piece of food lodged between the teeth, brushing and flossing may be sufficient to relieve the symptoms. However, a toothache may be considered to be a dental emergency when:
- The pain lasts longer than a few days
- The toothache becomes more severe over time
- The pain is associated with inflammation, swelling, bleeding around the tooth, a fever, or earache
If you’re experiencing a persistent toothache contact your dentist at once.
Actions to Take if You Experience a Dental Emergency
Do you know what to do in the event of a dental emergency? While not life-threatening, pain, physical damage, bleeding, and other serious symptoms make timely dental care a necessity.
If you or a member of your family experience a dental emergency, contact your family dentist immediately. Most family dentists are skilled in treating dental emergencies. They realize the seriousness of these situations and will make every effort to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Aspirin and other over-the-counter medications are effective for treating minor tooth pain. Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution can help alleviate the pain and swelling caused by an abscess or other infection.
Reduce the Chances of a Dental Emergency with Regular Checkups
You can take steps to reduce the chances of a dental emergency. Regular checkups and cleaning drastically are effective ways to diagnose and treat tooth problems before they become emergencies. Mouthguards and other protective gear reduce the possibility of trauma-related dental emergencies.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency in San Marcos, TX, contact The Dental Space at 512-667-9770 to schedule an appointment. We make every effort to accommodate patients with dental emergencies. Dr. McCartor and his staff possess the experience and skill to deal with just about any dental emergency, from a broken or chipped tooth to a painful abscess.
In addition to emergency dental services, The Dental Space provides patients with the latest and most advanced dental care treatments in San Marcos, TX. We’re a different kind of San Marcos, TX family dental clinic. We want to make going to the dentist a positive experience for you and your family. We strive to make a dentist visit as stress-free as possible for our patients.
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist don’t worry — The Dental Space always welcomes new patients, even those as young as six months!
We’re located in the heart of San Marcos, TX just off IH 35 in the Springtown Center Shopping Mall. The Dental Space serves patients in San Marcos and the entire Hays County area, including Redwood, Maxwell, Wimberly, Martindale, and Kyle. We accept most forms of dental insurance and offer patients a wide range of payment options.
