You plan, prepare, and take all the necessary precautions, but when you least expect it, accidents happen. Whether it’s a toothache or knocked-out tooth, you want relief sooner rather than later, which is why your emergency dentist in Round Rock is always there to help. But what if it’s something that can heal on its own? What if it’s not all that serious? To help you better understand when you should seek treatment, read on to learn what constitutes an actual dental emergency.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
There are few easy ways to tell if a problem you’re experiencing is an actual dental emergency:
- Severe pain that is increasing or will not go away with a pain reliever
- Continual bleeding that will not cease
- Increased swelling on your gums or around your face (This could be a serious infection that needs immediate treatment)
- Loose teeth
- Knocked-out tooth
If you prefer to be more cautious, never underestimate what you believe to be a dental crisis. The best way to tell if you need to see your dentist in Round Rock is to call their dentist’s office and speak to a member of the staff or dental team. After assessing the situation, they can determine if you require immediate medical attention or not.
What Are Some Common Dental Emergencies?
Dentists see all types of dental issues each day, but some of the most common emergency situations include:
- Knocked-Out Tooth
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth
- Abscessed Tooth
- Soft Tissue Lacerations
Each should be dealt with accordingly, and with issues such as a knocked-out tooth, time is of the essence. If not saved or put back into place within an hour, it will be necessary to discuss ways to replace the missing tooth, so it does not negatively impact the rest of your natural, healthy teeth.
If you have an abscessed tooth, this severe situation will need to be treated as soon as possible, as the infection can lead to fever, swelling, and tenderness in the lymph nodes in your neck. If the infection begins to spread to your jaw or surrounding tissues, it can become life-threatening.
What Can You Do to Avoid Dental Emergencies?
Unfortunately, emergencies are unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to better protect your teeth and gums from injury, including:
- Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities
- Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months to keep decay and disease from developing
- Practice good oral hygiene habits at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy
Your dentist in Round Rock is ready and equipped to handle your dental needs should an emergency arise. If you’re unsure whether to go to your dentist or local emergency room, call and speak to a dental member who can instruct you on what to do and where to go for immediate care.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Asay completed his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Brigham Young University, graduating with honors, before going on to attend Baylor College of Dentistry, earning his dental degree. As a qualified and devoted dentist, he is happy to care for the oral health needs of patients in Round Rock and its surrounding communities. Whether you need a thorough cleaning or help with a dental emergency, Dr. Asay and his team will be there to walk you through how to handle the situation until you are able to make it to our office. To learn more about us and how we can help you through an emergency situation, visit our website or call (512) 244-2796.