Do You Know When You’re Having a Dental Emergency?

If you’re having a dental emergency, it’s important to see your dentist in Beaumont TX as soon as possible. Not everyone recognizes the signs of a dental emergency, or knows when it’s time to contact their dentist. Knowing when you’re having a dental emergency can help you get the care you need from your dentist. Here’s what to know.

When It’s A Dental Emergency

There are many injuries and dental conditions that qualify as a dental emergency. Below are some of the most common dental emergencies that people experience.

Toothache

A toothache can be indicative of simple tooth decay, or it can mean that you’re in need of a much more significant dental procedure, like a root canal. If you’re having a toothache, talk to your dentist to find out whether your toothache is an emergency. If it is, come in to see the dentist right away.

Lost Permanent Tooth

A lost permanent tooth is always a dental emergency. If you act quick enough, your dentist may be able to put your tooth back in your mouth. If your tooth falls out, hold the tooth by the crown and wash off the roots with saline, milk or saliva. Hold the tooth in your cheek, or put the tooth back into the hole it came out of. Contact the dentist as soon as possible to let them know you’re on your way.

Dental Injury

Dental injury, especially one that results in bleeding, may need to be addressed by a dentist. If you receive a dental injury, contact your dentist to find out the next steps.

Swelling, Pain and Inflammation

Swelling, pain and inflammation in your mouth could be a sign of an infection or injury that needs to be addressed by a dentist. Call your dentist as soon as possible to find out next steps.

What to Do If You’re Having a Dental Emergency

Any time you’re having a dental emergency, it’s important to see the emergency dentist in Beaumont TX as soon as possible. To find out whether you’re having a dental emergency, call Southern Oaks Dental Care today. We offer dental emergency services and are here to help.

Does a Cracked Molar Have to be Treated?

When you have a cracked molar, you may feel like the world is ending. Depending on how long you’ve been suffering from a cracked molar, you may not even be able to remember when eating wasn’t extremely uncomfortable or painful. A cracked molar can also make you feel extremely miserable because it may cause severe tooth pain and swollen gums. The only way to say goodbye to these symptoms is to receive proper treatment for your cracked molar from your dentist in Beaumont, TX in a timely manner.

The Most Common Treatments For A Cracked Molar

When it comes to treating a cracked molar, most dentists will suggest a crown, root canal, or tooth extraction. The only exception is if you have a really small crack in your molar. For most minor cracks, many dentists will simply remove them with bonding or porcelain veneers. The specific treatment for a cracked molar will depend on the extent of the crack.

A crown is a great treatment option because the cap will preserve your tooth’s healthy structure while protecting it from further damage. A root canal can get rid of the damaged tissue if the crack has affected your tooth’s pulp. If your tooth just can’t be saved, a tooth extraction is probably the only option. Your dentist in Beaumont will be able to tell you what options may be best suited for your particular situation.

What Happens When A Cracked Molar Is Left Untreated

Whether you need a crown, root canal, or tooth extraction, it’s best to get the cracked molar treated as soon as possible. The condition will only get worse if treatment is delayed. When a cracked molar isn’t treated, complications like infection can occur. A tooth infection often presents unbearable symptoms such as severe tooth pain, swelling in the gums, sensitivity to hot and cold food/drinks, and difficulty eating and chewing.

Do you have a strong feeling that one of your molars is cracked? Visiting a dentist is the best way to know whether or not you have a cracked molar in Beaumont, TX. Always keep in mind that early treatment is key because you may be able to avoid tooth extraction. While you’re waiting for your dental appointment, make sure to avoid consuming extremely hot and cold foods/drinks, determine which tooth hurts, and brush/floss your teeth regularly.

dentist with patient

Why You Shouldn’t Wait if You Have a Dental Emergency

You may wonder when a dental issue constitutes an emergency. And is a dental concern so serious that it’s necessary to head to the dentist right away? You may want to put off dental care, but dental concerns tend to progress and worsen when they’re not treated. These are some scenarios of dental emergencies and why you should get immediate care if you experience them.

Types of Dental Emergencies

Your dental situation may have appeared out of the blue or been an ongoing problem that progressed. Either scenario can be an emergency.

It’s important to visit the dentist as soon as possible if you have:

  • A toothache
  • Mouth pain
  • Mouth swelling
  • A broken or fractured tooth
  • A tooth knocked out or fallen out
  • A loose tooth

These are some top scenarios that should be addressed right away. If you’re not sure whether your situation is a dental emergency or not, give your dental office a call.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

People often like to take a wait and see attitude, but that’s not always the best course of action, especially when it comes to medical emergencies. Dental emergencies may seem less severe than other emergencies, but in reality, they can create immense pain, cause people to wind up in the ER, and even be dangerous.

These are some examples of why it’s important to see a dentist right away with a dental emergency:

  • Symptoms such as sensitivity or toothache tend to be a sign of a problem that progresses when left alone.
  • Severe pain will only become harder to bear with time.
  • An oral infection can be dangerous without intervention because the bacteria can reach heart tissue or other parts of the body, even becoming life-threatening if it comes with symptoms such as fever, increased heart rate or breathing rate, stomach pain, swelling or dehydration.
  • A knocked-out tooth could potentially be saved when a dentist intervenes immediately.

Emergency Dental Care in Texas

At Southern Oaks Dental Care, we provide emergency services along with our full range of dental services in Beaumont, TX. Call our office at 409-835-6257 to ask about your situation or set up your emergency appointment. We’ll bring you in as soon as possible.