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Can this wait? Is this urgent? If I wait to call in the morning, will things get worse?
A dental emergency can happen anytime: it could start from a sports injury, a fall, or simply a sudden onset of pain. However, in some cases, determining if you should handle it immediately or wait until you can schedule a regular appointment can be difficult. In general, if you are in severe pain or bleeding from the mouth, you are experiencing a dental emergency.
When emergencies happen, Smile Fort Worth is here. Call us at 817.732.6622.
Our emergency dentists are prepared for every situation. We are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but monitor our phones both after-hours and on the weekend.
Here’s a short list of the most common dental emergency examples. We recommend you see an emergency dentist immediately for these symptoms:
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth has been knocked out, see an emergency dentist immediately. With quick action, we may be able to save your tooth. If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what you should do:
- Call us immediately
- Pick up the tooth without touching the root
- Rinse the tooth gently
- If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and keep it in place by closing your mouth
- Otherwise, place the tooth in a cup of milk and bring it with you
Following these steps will give us a better chance of being able to reinsert your tooth. Waiting too long will greatly decrease the odds that your tooth can be saved. In those cases, we restore a lost tooth’s function and form through dental implants.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
If a tooth is simply chipped but is not in pain, make an appointment with your dentist for a convenient time. However, if you have cracked or fractured your tooth significantly, and you are experiencing significant pain, it is important to see an emergency dentist immediately.
Cracking or fracturing your tooth is likely an indication of damage on the inside of the tooth as well as the outside. This condition can get worse over time and could render the tooth beyond saving.
In the event of a cracked or fractured tooth:
- Call your dentist
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water
- Avoid touching or messing with your tooth too much
- For pain, take ibuprofen
Tooth Abscess
An abscess is when an infected tooth creates a pocket of pus underneath the soft tissues of the mouth. Symptoms can include a throbbing toothache, fever, swelling of the face, foul taste in the mouth, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
It’s important to see an emergency dentist immediately, not only to alleviate pain, but because the infection could spread to other parts of your mouth. In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth with saltwater before heading to the dentist, where our emergency dentists can treat the issue to keep the infection from spreading.
Uncontrolled Bleeding
If you have uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth, whether from an accident or from tender gums, it’s important to see an emergency dentist immediately. This could be a sign of advanced gum disease, an avulsed (knocked-out) tooth, or another issue that requires immediate care.
Not every emergency can be prevented. However, being proactive with your oral care is the best way to potentially avoid some of these situations.
Avoid the Pain: How to Prevent an Emergency Dentist Visit
Not every emergency can be prevented. However, being proactive with your oral care is the best way to potentially avoid some of these situations.
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly will keep your teeth healthy and clean. And by seeing us at Smile Fort Worth regularly for dental cleanings and check-ups, we can spot early warning signs for serious dental conditions that will get worse over time.
Contact Smile Fort Worth
If it’s been more than six months since your last appointment, schedule an appointment with Smile Fort Worth today.
Plan Your Next Visit to Our Office.
One Response
Great article! Would have never thought to put a knocked-out tooth in milk, but it makes sense! Thanks for the post!