When it comes to dental emergencies, you might want to do your best to prepare for them. You may brush and floss to keep your teeth strong, but there is still a small chance you may find yourself in one. Some of these situations are more serious than others, so you should know which ones require urgent dental care in Houston and which ones may let you wait until the near future. Here’s a breakdown so you feel confident handling all sorts of them.
What Are Dental Emergencies That Need to Be Treated Right Away?
Starting off with incidents that require you to be seen the same day, getting them fixed up right away can prevent further harm. These are the ones to know:
- Severe dental discomfort can get in the way of comfortable eating, but it can also be a sign of a severe cavity or infection. These need to be treated right away, or the bacteria can spread and, when left untreated, lead to tooth loss.
- Dental abscesses are caused by an infection, but they are a pimple-like bump on your gums. Intense pain is one symptom, but they also come with swelling and a fever.
- Damage, whether a chip or a crack, can become worse if not fixed. Not only that, but bacteria can also more easily reach the inner pulp because of the compromised integrity.
- A knocked-out or loose tooth is often the most urgent. These need to be checked out within an hour of them occurring to give your smile the best shot at saving the structure.
What Dental Emergencies Don’t Require Urgent Visits?
While these scenarios aren’t as urgent as the ones above, they will still need to be seen by your dentist, such as:
- Minor discomfort that goes away quickly.
- Food that’s stuck between your teeth.
- A loose restoration, like a crown or veneers.
Again, when you call your dentist for these, they might get you in later the same day or in the near future. You aren’t in any immediate harm with them, but you’ll still need to get them checked out. Thankfully, your provider will give you advice on how to handle the situation over the phone.
Should I Call My Dentist About My Dental Emergency?
To make a long story short, you should call your dentist about any concerns you have about your oral health. No matter what scenario you are in, talking to them can let you feel more confident dealing with dental emergencies. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to taking care of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani earned her dental degree from the University of Texas Houston. She has over 30 years of experience, which she uses to give the Houston community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Alani is proud to help those during their dental emergencies with state-of-the-art technology. Better yet, she offers same-day urgent visits to give you the reliable and effective treatment you need. If you want to take steps to protect your teeth, schedule an appointment or call her office at (713) 621-5141.