WHAT IS A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

If you've ever had a bad toothache, you know it can be a harrowing experience and you would do anything to make it stop. But, is it really a dental emergency? 

Some dental problems indeed require immediate action. Here's how to recognize a dental emergency and what to do if you're experiencing one. 

DEFINING DENTAL EMERGENCIES

A dental emergency is any oral health problem that needs to be treated immediately by a professional. It may be an injury of the mouth that causes pain or bleeding or a dental problem that wasn't addressed in time and escalated to the point it's making regular life unbearable. 

Here's a list of some of the most common dental emergencies: 

• Knocked-out Teeth: Time is of the essence when it comes to knocked-out teeth. A minute too late could make the difference between saving the tooth and losing it.
• ‍Intense Tooth Pain: We are talking here about the kind of pain that is so bad, you would drop everything just to find some relief.
• ‍Broken Tooth: If the tooth broke at the gum line, the pulp is visible or you are bleeding, you need immediate dental care.
• ‍Abscess: Seek urgent care if you notice a red or oozing pimple-like bump near the affected tooth. Call your dentist ASAP if you also have a high fever. 

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A DENTAL EMERGENCY 

One of the first things you can do is contact your dentist right away and tell them about your emergency. This way you can also get some expert tips on how to manage your dental issue until you can reach the dentist's office. 

You can also take some of these steps to alleviate your symptoms and increase the odds of saving the tooth: 

• If you knocked out a tooth, rinse your mouth with clean water and use gauze to control the bleeding. Locate the tooth, rinse it with clean water, and put it back into the socket or in a glass with water or milk. Go to the dentist immediately.
• If you have debilitating tooth pain, try to use ibuprofen to get some relief until the dentist can see you. Don't postpone getting treatment as you can risk losing your tooth.
• If your pain is also accompanied by fever and a bad taste in your mouth, you may be dealing with an abscess. This is a severe infection that needs urgent care as it can be life-threatening. 

WHO TO CALL IF YOU HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY IN AUSTIN? 

The team at South Austin Dental Associates is ready to offer urgent dental care, whenever you need it - be it after office hours or on the weekend. 

Just call us at (512) 444-1133 and we will schedule you for a same-day appointment.

If you are interested in the other dental services we offer, you can also reach out to us online.