Experiencing oral pain is not fun. Inflammation of the gums causes discomfort. Sometimes, discomfort is more serious because it indicates a severe infection. However, if you’re not experiencing pain, you might wonder if you’re in need of emergency dental services. When it is truly an emergency, there are dental professionals at your disposal. Lovett Dental Jersey Village can see you on a walk-in basis if you’ve experienced a dental emergency.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
The most common dental emergencies result from an injury or accident. The result is often a chipped tooth, missing tooth, or damage to the mouth. A knocked-out tooth is not uncommon for athletes during intense competition or practice. Auto accidents can also lead to pain that merits an immediate visit to a nearby dental office or emergency dental services. A broken jaw, loose tooth, or obvious bleeding of the mouth require care promptly. Waiting too long not only makes the pain worse, but it can also lead to infection. If you wait, the bones may incur further damage, preventing proper healing.
It is not uncommon for a child to end up in a dentist’s office due to a dental emergency. In such cases, it is best to head over to the office as soon as possible. Dentists who offer pediatric dentistry services can determine if the young patient lost a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. A diagnosis helps determine proper action. Baby teeth are meant to fall out, but adult teeth are a different story.
Inflammation and Abscesses
There is a difference between an oral emergency and severe discomfort. An abscess or swelling is not that uncommon, even for those who never miss regular teeth cleaning. These symptoms do not always necessitate an emergency visit, however. The symptoms could be due to a food particle that is hiding in between your teeth. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash. If that does not loosen the particle, schedule an appointment with our staff at Lovett Dental Jersey Village to receive additional help. An infection can lead to severe swelling, too. The remedy is usually a thorough cleaning and prescription medication.
Lost Fillings or Sealant
A lost dental filling or sealant is a cause for concern that depends on depth. The deeper the filling, the closer the cavity was to the gum. Since the filling is no longer serving as protection, you could feel discomfort when you eat. A lost crown is an emergency, too. Root canals and severe cavities lead to dental crowns. A loose or lost crown leads to pain and an emergency visit to our dental office.
Problems with Dental Braces
Wearers of dental braces or retainers know that they have to be careful. A hit to the mouth can result in the equipment piercing the lips or gums. If there is serious bleeding, it might be an emergency. Loose brackets require attention in a timely manner but are not necessarily an emergency. Loose wires can easily cause discomfort, too. Eating can then become challenging, so call your dentist to schedule an appointment.
Burns and Bites
Burns and bites usually lead to severe discomfort but are not necessarily dental emergencies. Drinking hot chocolate before it has cooled off enough is one way people burn the roof of their mouths. Saltwater rinses can also alleviate the discomfort. If the pain continues after a week, call your dentist. If you have a cut that is smaller than a quarter-inch, it should heal on its own. If the cut does not look better after a week, schedule a dental appointment with Lovett Dental Jersey Village.
Contact Lovett Dental Jersey Village for Help with a Dental Emergency
Prompt action for a dental emergency is a must. There is no need to wait, especially if you are in pain. You do not have to keep wondering if you are experiencing a dental emergency. Our team at Lovett Dental Jersey Village schedules staff to handle these cases on a walk-in basis. Give us a call at 281-890-5002 to let us know that you are on your way when you have a dental emergency.
