Emergency Dentistry: When Immediate Treatment Is Required

Emergency Dentistry McKinney, TX

Emergency dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses mainly on addressing issues that require urgent treatment. A regular dental appointment might require you to wait one or two weeks for the next open slot on your dentist’s schedule. That is not an option when dealing with dental issues that cause excruciating pain, bleeding or a fever.

Figuring out when emergency dentistry is needed

Not sure which issues require emergency dentistry? Here are common dental problems that require immediate treatment from a dentist.

1. Knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the worst dental injuries that a person can go through, but it can be surprisingly easy to treat when the patient makes it to the dentist within a few hours. Knocked-out teeth can be reattached when brought to the clinic within this period.

Not going to a dentist immediately after a tooth is knocked out leads to having to replace the lost tooth with an oral prosthetic. This costs more than simply having a dentist reattach a knocked-out tooth.

2. Infection

Dental infections occur when bacteria get into the pulp chamber. This area houses the blood vessels and nerves of a tooth, and it is normally sealed off so acids and bacteria in the mouth cannot get to the soft tissues in it. When a tooth becomes damaged due to trauma or decay, bacteria are free to infect the area.

An infected tooth often leads to severe toothaches that are impossible to ignore. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas, like the brain.

3. Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus that builds up around a tooth’s root or on it. The condition is often accompanied by severe pain, and there is always a risk of the infection spreading to other areas. An abscess requires emergency dental care and dentists often treat it by:

  • Prescribing antibiotics to fight off the infection
  • Draining the pus pocket and medicating the area
  • Performing root canal therapy to clean out the tooth’s pulp chamber

4. Excessive bleeding

Any injury that leads to excessive bleeding in the mouth counts as a dental emergency. For example, a cut to the tongue might bleed severely. Such injuries require emergency care so a dentist can stop the bleeding.

5. Severe toothache

Toothaches are ways that the body lets us know that there is something wrong in the mouth. When a toothache refuses to go away, it is often a sign of a serious problem that counts as a dental emergency. Dentists do not expect anyone to spend weeks in agony waiting for a dental appointment. If your toothache is incredibly painful, it is best to head to a dentist immediately.

Get emergency dental care

Dealing with any of the issues listed above? Give us a call or head to our McKinney clinic immediately to get the treatment you need.

Request an appointment here: https://www.yourdowntownmckinneydentist.com or call Sam Patel DDS, PA at (972) 638-5848 for an appointment in our McKinney office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in McKinney, TX.

Related Posts

3 Things An Emergency Dentist Recommends To Help Save A Damaged Tooth

A damaged tooth can cause significant pain and lead to more severe dental issues when not treated as soon as possible. An emergency dentist can preserve oral health when unexpected dental injuries occur. Whether the damage results from an accident, a fall, or biting onto something hard, immediate professional guidance and treatment can prevent further…

3 Oral Health Quick Fix Myths Debunked By An Emergency Dentist

Oral health myths can often lead to misguided attempts to solve dental problems, potentially making things worse. Emergency and general dentists frequently treat patients who have attempted (and failed) to manage dental emergencies with these quick fixes. Debunking common myths about oral health can save patients time, money, and trouble. Along with that, debunking these…

How An Emergency Dentist Can Help Stop A Toothache

When a toothache persists or becomes severe, an emergency dentist can provide immediate relief. Whether it is due to an infection, a cavity, or an injury, prompt dental care also helps to prevent further complications. Understanding what to expect when seeing a dentist about a toothache can help ease concerns.Tooth pain can result from minor…

5 Things To Avoid Doing After Damaging Your Teeth

Seeking an emergency dentist immediately after a dental injury can help prevent further complications and ensure proper treatment. Whether a tooth is chipped, cracked, or knocked out, taking the right precautions is essential for preserving oral health. However, some actions can worsen the damage or delay healing. To protect the teeth and avoid additional harm,…