Dental Emergency? We’ve Got You Covered!
Emergencies happen whether we’re prepared or not and usually at the least convenient time possible. Dental emergencies are no exception. Should a dental emergency occur, remain calm and try to act as quickly as possible, because every minute counts. If the emergency doesn’t require immediate medical attention, call our office right away for advice on the best course of action.
Types of Dental Emergencies
Some dental emergencies are more urgent than others. Sometimes, a situation involving the teeth, jaw, or mouth may not register as an emergency right away but requires timely intervention due to hidden damage or the potential for future damage. In all cases, the best thing to do is contact our office located in Bowie, MD for expert guidance on how to proceed.
Toothache or Mouth Pain
An injured or diseased tooth may not cause pain initially but only start hurting once the problem has developed into an emergency situation. Any degree of tooth pain that doesn’t resolve with brushing and flossing is cause for concern, as it could indicate:
- A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Severe tooth decay
- A dental abscess
- Advanced gum disease
- Oral infection
We will need to examine the teeth and mouth to determine the cause and, if necessary, provide emergency treatment to relieve pain and repair damage.
To avoid experiencing an emergency, do not ignore tooth or mouth pain, even if it is manageable and doesn’t interfere with daily life. Waiting until the pain is unbearable is never a good idea. Worsening pain indicates a worsening problem that will require more extensive and costlier treatment to correct.
Mouth Injury
Injury to the mouth, face, or jaw can occur for many reasons, such as falling face first, auto collision, bicycle or scooter accident, impact during an athletic activity, or incident at work, just to name a few. After seeking medical attention to rule out or treat a serious injury, the next important step is to contact Vargas Dental Associates to rule out or treat any actual or potential dental injuries.
Important: An ER or urgent care physician can stop bleeding, relieve pain, suture a wound, and take X-rays, but they can’t repair a broken tooth, replace a knocked-out tooth, or treat acute dental problems resulting from an accident or impact to the face. Only a dentist can.
To protect teeth from injury and avoid a dental emergency, patients who are particularly active — i.e., participating in sports or other activities with a high risk of falling or impact — should invest in a high-quality custom mouthguard to protect their teeth, tongue, and cheeks. Wearing a mouthguard, especially during contact sports, is a simple, accessible way to prevent injury.
In a dental emergency, our team is here to help! Keep our contact information close at hand so you can reach us easily when you need to. If you have any questions about dental emergencies or current concerns with your oral health, call our office located in Bowie, MD or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!
