When to Seek Emergency Dental Care: Handling Tooth Pain, Broken Teeth, and More

When a dental emergency strikes, it can be difficult to know what to do. Whether you're dealing with severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, or other serious dental issues, it's important to seek prompt treatment. In this blog, we'll guide you through common dental emergencies, how to handle them, and when to seek professional help from your trusted Plano, TX dentist, Dr. Trevor Shewski at Star Ranch Dental.

Understanding Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can range from severe toothaches to knocked-out teeth and can occur at any time due to accidents, sports injuries, or underlying dental conditions. It's crucial to understand the signs of a dental emergency so you can get the right treatment as soon as possible.

Common dental emergencies include severe tooth pain, broken or chipped teeth, lost fillings or crowns, abscesses, and more. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's important to seek immediate dental care.

Handling Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can be a sign of various dental issues, including cavities, gum disease, or an abscess. If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, rinse your mouth with warm water, use dental floss to remove any food particles, and apply a cold compress to the affected area. However, these are temporary solutions, and you should seek professional dental care as soon as possible.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can also provide temporary relief, but they are not a long-term solution. If the pain persists, it's crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause and get proper treatment.

Dealing with Broken Teeth

If you've broken or chipped a tooth, it's important to act quickly. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling. Try to save any pieces of the broken tooth, as your dentist may be able to reattach them.

While waiting for your dental appointment, avoid eating hard foods and don't put pressure on the broken tooth. It's important to see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage and infection.

What to Do in Case of Knocked-Out Teeth

If your tooth gets knocked out, it's crucial to act quickly. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, and rinse it gently if it's dirty. If possible, try to place the tooth back in the socket. If that's not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or saliva. Seek immediate dental care as this is a situation where time is critical for saving the tooth.

Remember, even if you manage to put the tooth back in its socket, you still need to see a dentist as soon as possible. They will check for any underlying damage and ensure the tooth is properly repositioned.

Star Ranch Dental: Your Emergency Dentist in Plano, TX

At Star Ranch Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and painful. That's why Dr. Trevor Shewski and our team are committed to providing prompt, effective emergency dental care to our Plano, TX community. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, don't hesitate to call us at (972) 943-5944. We're here to help you get the care you need when you need it most.