Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are any problem that impacts the health and function of the smile. If you have a dental emergency, you should visit our emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Even if your dental emergency occurs after hours, on weekends, or during a holiday, an emergency dentist will be available to help. The faster you treat the problem, the more likely it is that you can salvage your tooth. If you wait too long to have the problem treated, you could lose your tooth.

The most common dental emergencies include:

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that can form inside the tooth. It is the result of a tooth cavity, chip, crack, or other damage to the tooth. The infection causes pus to build up at the tooth root, which can cause moderate to severe tooth pain.

Knocked-out Tooth

If you have knocked out a tooth or had a tooth knocked out, it's important to see your dentist immediately. The sooner you can get care, the better the odds that the tooth can be saved.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

Broken teeth can occur from trauma or from biting on something hard. If you have a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. Call your dentist as soon as possible. A broken tooth may need to be repaired with a crown if the damage is severe.

Loose or Lost Fillings

A loose or lost filling needs to be fixed immediately to avoid the tooth becoming infected. A dental crown will cover the damaged tooth, so you can chew normally again.

A lost filling can be temporarily fixed by coating the cavity in dental cement, but you will need to have your filling replaced with a permanent one.

General Dental Emergency Instructions

If you've experienced an injury or are experiencing severe tooth pain, it's important to contact your dentist right away. They may be able to prescribe a pain reliever or suggest first aid tips for relieving pain until you're able to make your appointment.

If your pain is severe, call your dentist right away to make an appointment. In the meantime, here are some first aid tips that can help you manage the pain until you can get into the dentist's office:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Gently floss your teeth to remove any food that may be trapped.
• Rinse your mouth again with salt water. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish it around in your mouth to relieve pain and disinfect the area.
• Apply a cold compress to your mouth. Hold it in place for 10-15 minutes.

To learn more about our treatments, please reach out to our dental practice in Cypress, TX, and have a consultation with our dentist. Call us at (832) 353-3600 or schedule an online appointment, and we'll guide you further.