Common Questions About Dental Emergencies

Though you might never experience a dental emergency, chances are you might at least have a fright or two. For instance, if you bite down hard enough on a popcorn kernel to make your tooth hurt, or if you notice blood when you brush and floss your teeth. If it is an emergency, however, then seeking appropriate treatment from your emergency dentist could be vital to saving your dental health. To help you recognize when it’s time to seek treatment immediately, we answer a few common questions about dental emergencies, and what to do if the time comes.

In most cases, a dental emergency means your tooth and/or surrounding oral tissues are in immediate danger of serious damage or infection. Usually, this occurs in the form of a traumatic injury, like a fractured, broken, or knocked out tooth. Sometimes, though, it can also mean that a dental disease has progressed far enough to make discomfort (and possibly tooth loss) imminent.

You can prevent dental disease from becoming an emergency situation by addressing it early. Practicing good hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular checkups will significantly improve your chances of prevention and early treatment. In the case of accidental trauma, you might not be able to prevent the accident, but you may be able to prevent severe trauma with prompt attention from your dentist.

Once a tooth’s root is forcibly removed from its socket within your jawbone, there’s a small window of opportunity to successfully reattach the tooth. If possible, collect the avulsed (knocked-out) tooth and try to replace it in the empty socket. If it doesn’t fit, place the tooth in milk, call our office immediately, and bring the tooth with you to your visit.

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.