Dental emergencies come in various forms. On the bright side, a person almost certainly knows when they’re encountering one. Unfortunately, that’s likely because of some serious discomfort.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Not all dental discomfort qualifies as an “emergency.” However, there are certain symptoms for which a trip to an emergency dentist is in order.
- Severe toothache
- Swelling of the gums or jaw
- Bleeding from the mouth or gums
- Loose tooth/teeth. In adults, a loose tooth, even without pain, is a major problem
- Loss of a tooth
- Broken crown
Causes of Dental Emergencies – and What Do To
- Severe toothache. No toothache will ever simply run its course and go away on its own. That pain is your body telling you that something’s wrong. At the same time, not every toothache requires immediate attention. If pain is fairly mild and bearable, an icepack, a rinse with salt water, and over-the-counter pain medication should get you through until you’re able to visit the dentist. However, when pain is sudden, severe, persistent, and seemingly unexplainable, as with infected nerves, for example, seek out an emergency dentist.
- Swelling of the jaw or bleeding gums–If a jawbone or gums begin to swell or for no apparent reason, or a patient begins bleeding from the gums or mouth, it’s time for emergency care. This could be a sign of an infection or a dental abscess that could cause tooth loss and spread to other parts of the body.
- Loose tooth or loss of a tooth. Tooth loss as an adult is not normal. Whether due to direct impact or the result of an untreated infection, tooth loss calls for immediate action from both the patient and an emergency dentist.
- Broken crowns. If not treated immediately, a broken or missing crown could result in a patient needing a far more invasive procedure, like a root canal or an extraction.
Emergency Dentist in Humble, TX
If you’re in the Humble, TX area and think you might need an emergency dentist or want to be prepared “just in case,” dentist Dr. Robert Appel and his team at Humble Dentistry are here to provide quick, high-quality care in your moment of need.