At Hallock Family Dental in Texas, we help families with dental emergencies. The 5 common dental emergencies at our offices are:
1. Severe toothache
2. Chipped or broken tooth
3. Knocked-out tooth
4. Abscess or an infection
5. Lost of filling or crown
#1 If You Have A Throbbing Toothache Go See A Dentist Right Away
Tooth pain is not necessarily a dental emergency. However, a continuous severe ache that lasts days could signify a more serious condition. Visiting our dental offices for an emergency may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of the pain.
If you have a toothache that will not stop consider these steps:
1. Rinse the mouth with warm water and remove any debris
2. Gently floss the problem area.
3. If something is stuck between your teeth, gently try to remove it.
Sometimes a tooth is extracted right away to prevent the spread of infection and relieve the pain.
#2 Chipping Or Breaking A Tooth Is Serious
A cracked, broken, or chipped tooth can be very painful and commonly affect your oral health if left untreated. Here are some steps you can take immediately after your tooth chips or cracks:
- Rinse the mouth with warm water and keep the area clean.
- Use a cold compress on the face to keep swelling down.
- Get to our dentist’s office as soon as you can.
When it comes to fixing a damaged tooth, fast action should be taken so it can be fixed without complications.
#3 A Knocked-out Tooth is A Time Restricted Dental Emergency
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, it can be a tough experience. However, it’s extremely important to try to know what to do to have the biggest chance to save your tooth. Here are some steps you can follow to protect your teeth.
1. Without touching the tooth’s root, pick it up. This means you will pick it up from the white part and avoid touching the inside.
2. Place it in a glass of milk, saline, or clean water but do not use any chemicals to rinse it off such as soap.
3. You have a 30-minute window to visit our dental clinic to possibly save your tooth.
You should also do your best to stop any bleeding and keep the affected area clean until you see a medical professional. Keep in mind that if your tooth cannot be reinserted into your mouth, there are different solutions.
#4 If Your Mouth Is Infected Do Not Put Off A Dental Visit
An abscessed tooth happens when a pocket of pus appears in or around the tooth due to an infection. Pain can begin at the tooth and, in severe cases, radiate out to the face, neck, or ears. Common signs and symptoms of an abscessed tooth are:
- A severe toothache or tooth pain with dull pressure, aching, throbbing, or sharp pain
- Fever
- Pain with or without chewing
- Redness and swelling of the gums
- In advanced infections, swelling of the jaw
- Sensitivity of the teeth to temperature change
- An open, draining sore in the gums that may also cause a bitter taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
Left untreated, an abscess can lead to an infection that spreads throughout your body causing serious and even life-threatening effects. The sooner these issues are treated the better!
#5 Losing A Filling Or Crown Causes Great Pain And Discomfort
Losing a filling or crown can often leave the inside of your teeth exposed which can cause excruciating pain and lead to an infection. When you are experiencing pain after losing a crown or dental filling, it should be fixed as soon as possible.
If you notice that a filling or crown has come out:
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Make sure you do not swallow the filling or crown.
- When you eat, only chew on the side of the mouth that is not affected.
- Try to save the crown, which your dentist may be able to replace.
A missing crown or filling may leave your tooth open to elements such as hot and cold liquids or foods that cause extra sensitivity. Be careful with it until you can be seen by a dentist and get the problem resolved.
What Emergency Services Are Available For Me?
At Hallock Family Dental, same-day appointments are made for both new and established patients who are experiencing great discomfort. Simply call one of the main lines and you will be directed to the dentist on-call to help you through your emergency situation. We will help you alleviate your symptoms and devise a plan for the best dental care moving forward. To schedule an appointment for you, your spouse, or your children, call 972-390-7200 for the Allen location, or 972-547-1775 for the McKinney office.
