Signs that you need Emergency Dental Care

If you’ve recently had a tooth knocked out, an abscess, or a dislodged filling, you should immediately seek emergency dental care. However, before you seek treatment, you should know the signs of these common emergency dental work Tomball TX. The following are common symptoms of these situations and when they call for urgent care. Fortunately, your area has several emergency dental care clinics with many more.

Signs of an abscessed tooth

An abscessed tooth is a painful condition in which pus has collected beneath the gums or teeth. The infection causes swelling of the root tip. People with weakened immune systems and those with autoimmune disorders are at a higher risk of developing a dental abscess. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid the situation before it escalates into a dental abscess.

Signs of a dislodged filling

A loose filling may signify that the dental work needs to be urgent. If not addressed quickly, a loose filling can result in decay underneath the filling and heightened sensitivity. Worn or broken fillings can also infect the dental pulp, the part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood supply. A dislodged filling may require root canal treatment or even tooth extraction. If it is a composite resin filling, your dentist will be able to replace it with a different type of material.

Signs of a knocked-out tooth

While some emergencies may seem minor, they may be more serious than you think. A knocked-out or lost tooth is a dental emergency and may require immediate care. Delaying dental work after such an accident may lead to complications, including infection. In addition to pain, knocked-out teeth can also be accompanied by bleeding and swelling. Seeing a dentist right away is important to ensure proper care and prevent further injury.

Signs of a loose filling

While it’s common to experience a loose filling at some point, it can be especially frustrating. In most cases, loose fillings can be treated by simply removing the loose filling and reapplying the restoration material, usually amalgam or composite resin. A loose filling can cause pain or heightened sensitivity to hot or cold beverages. The patient should seek immediate dental care to address the loose filling in such cases.

Signs of a fractured jaw

Breaks in the jawbone may require metal plates or small screws to realign the bone. These devices stabilize the jaw but can also cause problems such as infection. Fractures usually heal without surgery, but if you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek emergency dental care immediately. Your dentist may recommend antibiotics to prevent infection. Alternatively, you may be prescribed an antibacterial mouth rinse.

Signs of a broken jaw

Emergency dental work may be required if your jaw has been broken. When you visit the dentist, he or she will examine you and take x-rays. A CT scan may be necessary if your jaw is severely fractured. However, a simple x-ray may not show any fractures, so he or she will perform other tests to determine the severity of the injury. The dentist will also assess your pain level and prescribe any necessary pain medications.

Signs of a dislodged tooth

While you should immediately see an emergency dental work Tomball TX if you notice a tooth that is partially dislodged, you can take temporary measures to ease your discomfort until you can get in for the emergency dental work. Applying a cold compress can relieve your pain until you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim. You may also want to try flossing to remove any objects that may be stuck between your teeth. Dental floss is gentler than a pin, but it can still remove the object from the surface of your tooth and gums.