What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

October 1, 2021

Dental emergencies can cause a lot of distress, and your trusted team at OliveTree Dentistry is here to help. We are proud to offer quality urgent dental care services to restore your healthy, functional smile. The question is, what exactly constitutes a dental emergency?

Is It a Dental Emergency?

If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency, consider the following questions:

  • Is there persistent tooth pain?
  • Do you have signs of infection, such as swelling or fever?
  • Is there a pimple-like bump on your gums?
  • Has there been a blow to your mouth? 
  • Are there any broken, dislodged, or knocked-out teeth?
  • Is there uncontrolled bleeding?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are likely experiencing a dental emergency. Make sure to contact OliveTree Dentistry at 469-248-3455 right away. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911!

Common Dental Emergencies

If you experience a dental emergency, please contact our office for further instructions. 

Persistent Tooth Pain: A persistent toothache may result from an infection, abscess, or deep decay. Make sure to contact us for an emergency appointment. Meanwhile, rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to control any swelling. Avoid placing pain killers directly on the affected area to prevent damage to your gum tissues. Tooth pain sometimes results from food stuck between two teeth, so flossing may help alleviate it. 

Dental Abscess: An abscess is a potentially serious infection that sometimes develops in or around a tooth root. It can lead to the infection spreading to the nearby teeth, the jawbone, or into the bloodstream, posing a risk to your overall health. If you notice a pimple-like bump on your gums, make sure to schedule an emergency appointment right away!

Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth: If you knock out a tooth, time is of the essence because the affected tooth has the best chance of being saved if treated within the hour. Rinse the tooth without touching the root and gently try to return it to its socket. If that doesn’t work, keep it moist in your mouth or store it in some milk and seek emergency dental care right away.

A Displaced (Luxated) Tooth: Place gentle pressure on the affected tooth and schedule your appointment immediately. We may recommend using a splint to stabilize your displaced tooth and keep it in place. 

Soft Tissue Injuries: Injury to soft tissues, including the tongue, lips, and cheeks, can result in uncontrolled bleeding. That can pose a serious emergency that may require a visit to your nearest emergency room. Gentle pressure may control the bleeding as you seek the needed urgent care. 

A Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to reduce any swelling. If any pieces break off the tooth, collect them and bring them with you to your emergency appointment. 

Lost Crown or Filling: Use over-the-counter dental glue to temporarily fill the cavity or hold the crown in place. Make sure never to use super glue to repair your restoration.

Emergency Dental Care Sunnyvale, TX

If you or a loved one ever experience a dental emergency, your trusted team at OliveTree Dentistry is here to help. We will never spare any effort to alleviate your discomfort and save an injured tooth. You can always count on us for quality, gentle care! Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Request Your Appointment Today

Please click the link to conveniently schedule your appointment with OliveTree Dentistry. A member of our team will contact you to confirm your selection. We look forward to caring for your smile!