Emergency Dentist Near Me: Top 5 Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies often strike without warning, turning a routine day into a source of pain and anxiety. When your oral health hangs in the balance and you find yourself searching online for an “emergency dentist near me,” knowing how to respond can make all the difference between saving your smile or facing more complex treatments down the road.

Let’s explore the top five dental emergencies, their treatments, and how timely care can restore your oral health and peace of mind.

Top 5 Dental Emergencies

We see a wide range of dental emergencies in our Mesquite dental office, so we’re here for you and your loved ones when you need us the most.

Here are the most common dental emergencies we encounter:

1. Severe toothache — Few things disrupt life like a relentless toothache. The sharp, throbbing pain can make eating, sleeping, or even focusing on your day nearly impossible. Often, the cause lies deep within the tooth: a cavity, an infection, or nerve damage.
2. Knocked-out tooth — Losing a tooth in an accident or during sports is painful and shocking. This situation demands swift action, as the window to reimplant the tooth is narrow, typically within one hour.
3. Chipped or broken tooth — A chipped or broken tooth doesn’t just affect your appearance; it can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leaving it vulnerable to infection and sensitivity.
4. Lost filling or crown — Losing a filling or crown can expose the underlying tooth to pain or damage. Whether it happens while eating or unexpectedly, this emergency needs timely attention.
5. Dental abscess — A dental abscess is more than a painful swelling; it’s a serious infection that can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. Symptoms often include severe pain, fever, swelling, and a foul taste in your mouth.

What You Can Do Before Your Appointment

Knowing what to do before you get to your dentist’s office is essential to alleviate your discomfort and save your tooth.

Here are some ways to take action when an emergency strikes:

1. Severe toothache — Don’t ignore a toothache. Pain is your body’s way of signaling a problem, and early treatment can prevent further complications. Take over-the-counter pain relievers and place a cold compress on your face to help with discomfort.
2. Knocked-out tooth — If you can, place the tooth back in its socket without touching the roots. If that doesn’t work, store the tooth in milk or inside your cheek to preserve it during transport. Even if reimplantation isn’t an option, prompt care ensures your smile’s aesthetics and function can be restored.
3. Chipped or broken tooth — Save any pieces of the tooth if possible and rinse your mouth with warm water. If you’re experiencing discomfort, place a cold compress on your face or take over-the-counter pain medication. Addressing the issue quickly can help prevent further damage and maintain your smile’s integrity.
4. Lost filling or crown — Avoid chewing on the affected side and keep the area clean. Dental cement from a pharmacy or sugarless gum can temporarily protect the tooth until you can see your dentist. Swift action minimizes the risk of additional decay or damage.
5. Dental abscess — Seek immediate care for an abscess. Delaying treatment can lead to systemic health issues, making this one of the most urgent, life-threatening dental emergencies.

Treatment Options to Restore Your Smile

When you arrive for your emergency appointment, we’ll assess your situation and work to eliminate your pain. Then, we’ll form a treatment plan to restore your oral health.

Some of the treatment options we offer include the following:

1. Severe toothache — Once we determine the cause of your pain, we may recommend a root canal to remove the infected tissue and save your tooth. For minor decay, we’ll place a tooth-colored filling to restore your tooth’s structure. If the decay is severe and a root canal isn’t possible, we may have to perform an extraction.
2. Knocked-out tooth — If your tooth is intact and you can get to our dental office immediately, we will try to reinsert your natural tooth. If reimplantation isn’t an option, we can place a dental bridge to close the gap in your smile or refer you to an implant specialist.
3. Chipped or broken tooth — For minor chips, we’ll use tooth-colored resin to restore your tooth’s natural beauty. For larger breaks, we’ll use a filling or dental crown to protect your natural tooth.
4. Lost filling or crown — For a lost filling, we will replace it with a new tooth-colored composite filling. For a dental crown, we’ll either cement your crown back in place or create a new crown to cover and protect your tooth.
5. Dental abscess — When a dental abscess threatens your health, we might recommend root canal therapy to remove the infected tissue. However, if the infection is severe, we may need to remove your tooth to keep the bacteria from spreading.

Looking for Emergency Dental Care in Mesquite, TX?

Dental emergencies can feel overwhelming, but acting quickly and seeking professional care is critical to minimizing pain, preventing complications, and restoring your oral health. The Fresh 32 Family Dentistry team is your partner in handling these emergencies, offering personalized care to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Life may be unpredictable, but your dental health doesn’t have to be. With knowledge and prompt action, you can protect your smile no matter what life throws your way.

When the unexpected happens, contact our dental office at (469) 730-0090.