What Would Qualify as a Dental Emergency?

As the number of coronavirus cases increases across the U.S., it is important for dental practices to take precautions to protect both patients and staff. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, MINT dentistry is following guidance from the American Dental Association (ADA) to only provide emergency dental care at this time. If you are an existing patient at MINT dentistry, you may have some questions about what qualifies as an emergency. What happens if you have a chipped or broken tooth, or an infection?

MINT dentistry understands that dental emergencies can happen at any time. If you have questions about urgent dental care, contact one of our board-certified professionals. Our team is dedicated to helping resolve any dental issues as quickly as possible. We also use advanced procedures and tools to perform a range of treatments and make sure you leave with a healthy and beautiful smile. Learn more about emergency dental care in Dallas and Houston, TX by giving us a call today.

Signs that you have a dental emergency

We understand that the coronavirus is a growing concern for everyone. This is why it is important to learn what is considered a dental emergency and when to seek urgent care from an emergency dentist near you. Regular dental cleanings or teeth whitening services, for example, can be rescheduled for a later date. But for patients who need root canals or other time-sensitive procedures, waiting is not an option. An untreated dental problem can negatively affect your health and lead to more severe issues down the line.

The following conditions qualify as a dental emergency at MINT dentistry:

• Tooth damage: Some people have a chipped tooth or broken tooth that has no impact on their day-to-day lives. This doesn’t require treatment from an emergency dentist. However, a larger break can cause severe pain and lead to a possible infection. If tooth damage prevents you from eating, speaking, or comfortably cleaning your teeth, seek urgent care as soon as possible.

• Tooth pain: Minor toothaches that come from hot or cold temperatures from beverages can be treated with over-the-counter solutions. Unexplained or persistent pain, on the other hand, could be a sign of infection or gum disease. Patients should reach out to an emergency dentist to treat the infection with antibiotics before it gets into the bloodstream and causes serious complications.

• Lost tooth: A tooth can get knocked out as a result of a fall or other physical trauma. Patients can save the tooth by rinsing it with warm water and putting it in a container with milk. Placing a wad of gauze on the socket can help prevent excessive bleeding.

• Abscess: An abscess is a small pocket of pus that forms as the result of a bacterial infection. Dental abscesses require a simple treatment to drain the tooth and treat the infection.

• Swollen jaw: Swelling along the jawline could be the result of an infection. Chronic bad breath, trouble swallowing, and fever are other signs of infection that need to be addressed by an emergency dentist.

• Metal taste: Tasting metal means that a dental restoration has become loose or broken. An open filling can attract unwanted bacteria. Emergency dental care allows us to restore the tooth before further complications occur.

When should I seek urgent dental care?

People are often unprepared for a dental emergency. Waiting to contact an emergency dentist will only increase the severity of the problem, which is why patients need to act quickly. Urgent dental care is required when there is an unmanageable amount of pain or discomfort, as well as swelling. Anyone who experiences physical trauma to the teeth, gums, tongue, or jaw should also seek help at MINT dentistry. By getting treatment with our team, we can prevent further damage or tooth loss.

At MINT dentistry, we specialize in treating emergency situations to restore the health of our patients. Tooth pain, loose or dislodged teeth, and infections are just a few examples of when urgent dental care is required. Based on your dental emergency, we may provide immediate treatment or prescribe medications, like antibiotics, to resolve an issue before moving forward. To find an emergency dentist near you, reach out to one of our offices in Dallas and Houston, TX.

Learn more about emergency dental care

Many dental emergencies happen without warning and lead to much pain and discomfort. When this happens to you, call MINT dentistry, and we will alleviate your concerns with reliable urgent dental care. Our board-certified dentists can expertly diagnose and treat your dental emergency in a comfortable setting. Our team is proud to provide comprehensive treatment to our Dallas and Houston, TX communities. In these uncertain times, MINT dentistry has taken every precaution to maintain the health of our patients. Our staff stays up-to-date on national and state guidelines regarding the coronavirus and provides resources for patients with questions and concerns. Whether you have tooth pain, an infection, a chipped tooth, or a broken tooth, our dentists can safely treat the issue. Find an emergency dentist near you by calling the professionals at MINT dentistry.