For those moments where the unexpected happened, an emergency dentist in Houston can be exactly what provides you with both tranquility and medical attention. They can promptly address your concerns, manage your pain, and prevent complications that compromise your long-term oral health.
Our expert team at Gulfton Smiles has crafted this short guide on what constitutes a dental emergency, what doesn’t, and what to do in specific cases while you wait for your dentist appointment in Houston.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an oral issue that requires immediate professional attention. They’re often related to severe pain, excessive bleeding, infections, or trauma. And while they seek to manage discomfort, the most important part is that these appointments are trying to prevent further complications.
What is Not a Dental Emergency?
Some dental issues that do not constitute an emergency are minor chips without pain, mild tooth sensitivity, and/or loose-fitting dentures or dental appliances.
You should still call your dentist and schedule an appointment if you’re dealing with any of these, but they do not require you to immediately seek care and can wait a few hours or days with proper care.
Common Dental Emergencies
Severe Toothache
If you are suffering from a severe toothache that’s getting in the way of your normal routine, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible.
In these cases, the most important thing is to diagnose the cause of the pain, as it could be from a rather “simple” infection, to deep decay or even an abscess that must be treated promptly.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Also known as an avulsed tooth, it refers to when significant trauma completely dislocates a tooth from its socket. If this happens, you must seek immediate attention for minimizing the damage and seeing if reimplantation is a viable option.
Before going to your emergency appointment, make sure to pick up and clean the tooth without touching the root. You can use water or milk, but not soap. Try to gently place the tooth back in its socket and bite on a napkin until you reach your dentist’s office.
If you can’t put it back, store it in milk or saliva in the meantime. It’s important to keep it wet, but avoid using water for this part.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Whether you have a broken or chipped tooth, it’s important to first elucidate if it is a cosmetic or an urgent matter.
Generally speaking, a chipped tooth is when a small piece of enamel has broken off. While it might look rough or feel uneven, if there is no pain, sensitivity, or severely sharp edges, it is more of a cosmetic problem.
However, we’re talking about a broken tooth when there is damage to the deeper layers of the tooth, as the dentin or the pulp might be exposed. If after the trauma you’re feeling sharp pain, sensitivity to temperature changes, or swelling, you’re dealing with an emergency.
In fewer words, if you’re bleeding, hurting, or your bite is affected, you should go to an emergency dentist in Houston. If not, you can book a regular appointment.
Lost Crown or Filling
When a crown or filling breaks or falls out, depending on your specific procedure, it exposes certain vulnerable inner layers of the tooth. This can lead to sharp pain, increased sensitivity to temperature or pressure changes, and significant risk of decay, structural weakening, or infections if left untreated for too long.
Booking an emergency appointment with your dentist will be the best way to address this problem and lower the risk of further issues.
Dental Abscess
Untreated tooth decay, gum disease, untreated cracked teeth, dental trauma, or even poor dental hygiene could lead to a dental abscess, which is a complex infection either at the root of the tooth or in the gums.
Patients often experience severe, throbbing pain, foul taste or odor in the mouth, swelling in the face or jaw, pus discharge, or fever. If you’re dealing with these symptoms, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible so they can drain the infection and prevent it from spreading to the jawbone, sinuses, or even bloodstream.
Bleeding That Won’t Stop
Sometimes, patients can experience uncontrolled bleeding due to trauma or some types of dental procedures. When it won’t stop on its own, it can be a sign of:
- Torn blood vessels
- Clotting disorders
- Infections
- Poor healing
And should be treated promptly.
Emergency Dentist in Houston at Gulfton Smiles
When you’re dealing with any of the emergencies described above, going to a dentist in Houston should be the clear first step. They will help you address the specific issue, but also provide the peace of mind you need at this time.
If you’re wondering about any additional services or want to get to know our Asian and veteran owned practice, schedule a consultation with our dentistry professionals at Gulfton Smiles in Houston, Texas. You can call (713) 541-3013 or use our online booking tool.
