Signs that you need emergency dental care
Knowing the difference between a true dental emergency and dental issues that need attention can sometimes be difficult, especially since no dental pain is “normal.” However, it is always best to play it safe and call your dentist regardless. Sometimes, bleeding gums or tooth pain is just a sign that you need to schedule a teeth cleaning. If your pain is severe and persistent, assume that you need an emergency dentist in Austin, TX and make the call. Signs to look out for are:
- Severe pain
- Infection or pus
- Excessive bleeding
- Broken, fractured, or knocked out tooth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call Dr. Mark Shalaby and Dr. Mike Shalaby immediately to reserve your emergency appointment.
Common dental emergencies
To help you better determine whether you need emergency dental care, we’ve compiled a list of common dental emergencies. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these, please call our office immediately to let us know you are coming and receive instructions for how to proceed in the meantime.
Infection
When it comes to serious dental emergencies, oral infections are on the top of the list as something that you need to be seen for immediately. Not only is this painful, but infections can spread to other oral tissues if they are left untreated. If you believe that you may have an oral infection, you need to be seen urgently.
Signs of a dental infection:
- Severe pain
- Persistent toothache
- Pus, odor, or bad taste in your mouth
- Any of these symptoms accompanied by fever, chills, and inflammation
If you think you may have an oral infection, call Paradigm Dental today at (512) 992-2822.
Dental trauma
Dental trauma like a knocked out tooth or a loosened tooth is definitely a dental emergency, and you should visit our office as soon as possible.
What to do:
- Collect all pieces of your tooth
- Gently clean your tooth and rinse your mouth with warm water
- If possible, remove any debris from your tooth and gently put it back in its socket—DO NOT put a dirty tooth back into its socket
- If you cannot put your tooth back in its socket, place your tooth in a glass of milk until you can get to the office
Broken or fractured tooth
If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, you should rinse your mouth out with a warm saltwater solution and collect any broken pieces to bring with you to your appointment. Use a cold compress to reduce any swelling in the meantime.
Lost or broken dental appliances
Although broken or missing dental appliances may not necessitate immediate emergency care, you should still inform your dentist at Paradigm Dental right away. As an urgent dental need, we will get you in as soon as possible to fit you with a temporary appliance until we can handcraft you a permanent replacement.
Visiting the ER during a dental emergency
You don’t need to go the ER during a dental emergency unless you are profusely bleeding or concerned that you have experienced trauma to your jaw or facial bones. In fact, there are some dental emergencies that an emergency room or urgent care won’t be able to handle for you. When in doubt, call our office to determine whether or not you need to come into our office immediately.
Of course, if you have been in an accident and require emergency medical attention, please go to the emergency room and save any parts of your teeth that you can until you have been cleared by your doctors.
Paradigm Dental is your Austin, TX emergency dentist
Paradigm Dental does things differently. When you’re experiencing a dental emergency, you can take comfort in knowing that you will always get the best of us and the best care we have to offer. Our carefully cultivated relaxing environment will help you relax in your time of need so that you can get the high-quality dental care you need exactly when you need it most.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call Paradigm Dental today at (512) 992-2822.