What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can happen when least expected. From a minor tooth chip to severe facial swelling, your trusted team at Highlight Family dentistry of Hutto is here to help. We are happy to offer same-day appointments and welcome walk-in emergencies. You can count on us for exceptional, gentle care.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are common, but not every dental problem should be considered an emergency. To determine whether you need to seek urgent dental care, consider the following questions:

• Have you lost or dislodged a tooth? Prompt treatment can potentially save a knocked-out or dislodged tooth.
• Is there severe, persistent tooth pain? Severe tooth pain may indicate an infection or tooth damage requiring immediate attention to provide you with relief and to save the affected tooth.
• Are there signs of an infection? Symptoms of an infection may include knots on the gums or facial swelling. An infection or an abscess can be a serious matter requiring treatment as soon as possible.
• Is there bleeding from the mouth? Bleeding from the mouth that’s severe or hard to control is considered a serious emergency requiring immediate care.

Generally, any situation requiring urgent care to relieve pain, save a tooth, control infection, or stop bleeding is considered a dental emergency. If you suspect you need urgent dental care, call your Hutto dentist immediately to get your oral health back on track. If your emergency occurs outside our office hours, please contact our office for guidance.

If you or a loved one experience a life-threatening emergency, don’t wait. Please call 911 for immediate assistance.

What Are Common Dental Emergencies?

The following are examples of common dental emergencies:

Severe Tooth Pain: Use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be lodged between two teeth. If there is swelling, applying a cold compress can help. Contact our office immediately for assistance.

Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess may appear as a painful, pimple-like bump on the gums. If left untreated, the infection can spread through your body, wreaking havoc on your health. Contact our office immediately for assistance.

Knocked-Out Tooth: Time is of the essence. A knocked-out tooth has the highest chance of being saved when treated within 30 minutes. Pick up the tooth by the crown without touching it and rinse it if it’s dirty. Try to return it to its socket and keep it in place using gauze. If that’s not possible, place the tooth in a milk container. Contact our office immediately for assistance.

Chipped or Broken Tooth: Rinse any pieces of the tooth with warm salt water. Use a cold compress and pain reliever as needed for relief. Contact our office immediately for assistance.

Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, a progressive infection that can cause bone loss and tooth loss and may affect your overall health. Contact our office within 24 hours for an appointment.

Lost Crown or Filling: Try to keep your restoration in place using sugar-free gum or over-the-counter dental cement. Contact our office within 24 hours for an appointment.

Bleeding from the Mouth: Place gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. If you have heavy, uncontrollable bleeding, head to your nearest emergency room.

Emergency Dental Care Near Me

If you or a loved one experience a dental emergency, your trusted team at Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto, TX, is here to help. We are fully equipped and prepared to provide cutting-edge emergency dental services to relieve you of any discomfort and ensure the best possible outcomes. If you require emergency assistance, call our office at (512) 886-2644.