Everything You Need to Know about Dental Emergencies
If you find yourself in an emergency situation and require immediate assistance, call our emergency dentist in Allen, TX. Dr. Susan Kim is here to help you with any situation, no matter how severe. Read ahead to discover our tips on identifying and treating a dental emergency.
How to Identify a Dental Emergency:
Only Dr. Kim can determine if your teeth and gums are healthy. Sometimes, a serious issue is present or is showing potential signs that the untrained eye will not detect. Our dental professional must test your gums and the crevices of your teeth to ensure that your oral health is in good standing. With our help, we'll will be able to tell if you need any immediate treatments.
Bleeding gums and extreme pain are a sign that something isn't right with your oral health. Shooting pain could mean that you have an abscess or an infection in your gums. In some cases, an abscess is life-threatening if left untreated. If you're feeling severe pain, it may be time to call our Allen emergency dentist.
In cases of trauma where you may have lost a tooth, fast action saves the life of that tooth and saves you money in future cosmetic procedures. If you're experiencing wiggly teeth, consult with Dr. Kim immediately. Teeth should be secure and not able to shift from their position. Shifting teeth could mean that you have gum disease and it will need to be treated sooner rather than later.
Any situation that results in tooth loss, blood, or extreme pain is considered a dental emergency. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, call Dr. Kim at Dedicated Dental. She'll be able to tell you if you need immediate treatment or if you can wait and schedule a standard appointment at our office.
What to Do if You're Experiencing a Dental Emergency:
Get in touch with Dr. Kim, explain the situation, and get our advice. Some common dental emergencies include cracking or chipping your teeth, knocking your tooth completely out, and discovering a tooth abscess through overwhelming pain.
If you chip your tooth and it's not painful, you can schedule a time to see Dr. Kim. If it's painful, you'll need to visit our Allen emergency dentist to prevent further damage. If you knock your tooth completely out, rinse it off and put it back into the socket until you can reach Dr. Kim. If this isn't possible, putting the tooth in milk can save it. If you're suffering from a tooth abscess, rinse your mouth with saltwater and see Dr. Kim right away. Ignoring a tooth abscess leads to severe infection and is life-threatening.
When Can I Afford to Wait?
If your symptoms match any of the ones listed above, you cannot afford to wait. However, if you can wait until your next scheduled appointment, it's not a dental emergency. If you consult with Dr. Kim and she says that you don't need immediate treatment, you may be experiencing a common dental issue. This doesn't mean you should ignore the issue, whatever it may be. You should still talk to us to make sure that nothing is starting to occur.
How Can I Treat a Dental Emergency?
The best way to treat a dental emergency is to prevent one! Practicing good oral health is key to preventing any emergencies from arising. Brush twice a day for two minutes each, floss after eating, and use fluoride in your toothpaste and mouthwash.
However, just doing the basics will not always save you from emergencies, so visit Dedicated Dental every six months to ensure that everything looks fine. Some things will happen below the surface of your teeth that you won’t be able to find without a professional like Dr. Kim. Getting x-rays done every few years is also important to make sure your bones are healthy and strong. Your teeth and gums need a solid foundation to live healthy lives, so jawbone health is just as important. If you're an athlete, always wear your mouthguard. Having teeth knocked out due to blunt force trauma is a very common dental emergency, so don’t take any chances.
As your emergency dentist in Allen TX, Dr. Kim is proud to provide the highest quality care necessary in case an accident occurs and your teeth need proper treatment right away. If you'd like to learn more about how to prevent a dental emergency, call Dedicated Dental at (972) 359-1300. Our team will speak with you about your oral health and schedule your next check-up to make sure that your smile is in top shape.
