What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

There’s never a good time for dental emergencies, and we at Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto are here to help. We’re happy to offer same-day appointments to provide prompt symptom relief and ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. We’re also available for phone consultations after office hours. You can always count on our team for compassionate, gentle care. 

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergency is very subjective. It does not necessarily have to cause pain or swelling. If it is an emergency to you, then it is an emergency for us and you should call. Having said that, It is sometimes difficult to know if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. To alleviate the daunting anxiety when a dental injury / accident occurs, it can help to ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you experiencing pain? Severe, persistent pain requires emergency care.
• Do you have a knocked-out tooth? The sooner you get treatment, the better the outcomes.
• Do you have signs of an infection? Swelling or an abscess may indicate a serious and potentially life-threatening infection requiring immediate attention. 
• Are you bleeding from the mouth? Severe bleeding from the mouth is a dental emergency. 

In general, any situation requiring immediate treatment to save a tooth, alleviate tooth pain, treat a severe infection, or stop bleeding is considered an emergency. If at any time you experience a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately for assistance. 

It’s important to keep in mind that some injuries or dental emergencies may not look as serious as they are and without prompt treatment, you risk facing more severe problems, especially when it comes to children. If in doubt, contact our office. Emergency dental care will lower the risk of unnecessary complications. 

What Are Common Dental Emergencies?

Severe, Persistent Toothache: Use dental floss to remove any food trapped between two teeth, rinse your mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress to control swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medication to ease the symptoms, and make sure never to put aspirin directly on the painful tooth or surrounding gum tissue. Severe toothaches can indicate a serious infection and will need emergency care. 

An Abscess: An abscess sometimes appears as a painful, pimple-like bump on the gums. It usually indicates an infection that, left untreated, can enter the bloodstream and spread to the body, causing health complications. Immediate attention is necessary. 

A Broken Jaw: If you’ve suffered a blow to your face and suspect a broken jaw, don’t move it. Secure the jaw to the top of the head with a towel or scarf and apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Head to your nearest hospital emergency room. 

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: This is a highly time-sensitive emergency – treatment within 30 minutes of injury provides the highest chances of saving the tooth. After calling us for an emergency appointment, pick up the tooth by its crown and rinse it if it’s dirty. Avoid scrubbing or removing any attached tissue. Return the tooth to its socket and hold it in place with gauze. If that’s not possible, carry it in a container of milk or salt water and bring it to your emergency appointment. 

Chipped, Broken, or Cracked Tooth: Pick up any pieces of the tooth, if any, and rinse them with salt water. Take a pain reliever as necessary and contact our office for an appointment. 

Bleeding: Bleeding gums indicate an infection that requires periodontal treatment. If, however, you have bleeding due to trauma, place gentle pressure on the wound. If you cannot control the bleeding, head to your nearest hospital emergency room. 

Dislodged Crown or Lost Filling: Use dental cement to hold your crown in place or secure your filling. Never use super glue or other adhesives that are not dental-specific. Contact us for an appointment.

Broken Braces Wire: If the broken wire is causing discomfort, cover its end with orthodontic wax or a small cotton ball until we can get it repaired. 

Emergency Dentistry Near Me

Our team at Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto, TX, is dedicated to caring for our valued patients and offers state-of-the-art emergency dentistry services. If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency, call our office at (512) 886-2644 for a same-day appointment. You can count on us for the highest level of care.