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What Is a Dental Emergency?

dental tools what is a dental emergency

If you are experiencing severe dental problems, especially outside of regular office hours, it can truly be a major headache. Most dental clinics offer emergency dental services to handle cases in need of immediate treatment. But it can be challenging to determine, "What is a dental emergency?" It is important to distinguish between an emergency and a dental problem.

If you're experiencing a dental emergency, it's essential to reach out to our team. We can help you manage your emergency and ensure your mouth gets and stays healthy. Contact Lovett Dental today at 832-804-7427 to set up an emergency dental appointment.

What is and is not a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a situation when you need dental care as soon as possible. It also refers to dental situations that occur on weekends, holidays, or the middle of the night. After all, some dental issues can't wait. In these cases, you need immediate treatment. This treatment can be provided by a visit to an emergency dentist or your local hospital's emergency room.

However, you must remember that not all dental situations are emergencies. Some dental issues can be treated at a convenient time during normal hours of operations. So how can you decide what is a dental emergency? You will know if you should take a trip to an emergency dentist or ER if you experience symptoms that include:

  • Severe pain
  • Missing tooth
  • Loose tooth, even without pain
  • Abscess or infection in the mouth
  • Bleeding

An emergency dentist can provide you quick treatment to save your tooth, alleviate pain, or stop any bleeding. Even infections constitute an emergency, as severe cases can be life-threatening. On the other hand, if your dental problems do not include any of the conditions above, then you are probably not dealing with a situation requiring immediate attention.

Of course, there are also ordinary cases that need immediate attention. For instance, you should seek immediate treatment if you cracked or chipped your tooth. But unless the cracked tooth is severely painful, it can wait for a normal appointment. You should head to an emergency dentist only if it causes severe pain.

What Are Common Dental Emergencies?

If you are still unsure whether you need immediate attention, you can check out your dentist's website. The most types of common dental emergencies include:

  • You've knocked out a tooth.
  • You have a chipped or cracked tooth.
  • You're experiencing an abscessed tooth.
  • You have a severe toothache.
  • You've bitten your lip or tongue.
  • You have lost a crown or filling.
  • You've burned the roof of your tongue.

How to Avoid a Potential Dental Emergency?

If you want to avoid getting into a dental emergency, the best way is to ensure you are following proper oral hygiene techniques. Also, be proactive by regularly getting checkups and cleanings. By following these tips, you can detect any signs of infection, decay, or gum disease before becoming serious.

By getting a regular dental exam, you can create a treatment plan that addresses any dental issues before becoming an emergency. Knowing the signs of a dental emergency is also a must. And pay close attention to what your teeth, mouth, and body tell you about your health.

Still, keep in mind that this can happen no matter how much you try to avoid them. If something happens, try to keep calm to ensure the situation will not get any more serious. Most importantly, always have your dentist's contact info with you to get a prompt response.

Get Help at Lovett Dental

If you experience any dental issue that you think cannot wait for treatment, that must be an emergency. It makes no sense to suffer in pain or anxiety. So do not hesitate to contact your dentist.

In addition to our emergency dental services, we also offer a range of additional treatment options, including:

To learn more about our dental emergency, visit Lovett Dental today or call 832-804-7427 to schedule your next appointment.

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