What To Do When A Dental Emergency Happens

School is out for the summer. Wahoo! We can hear the sound of kids and parents (maybe?) rejoicing at the idea of sleeping in, days at the pool and family vacations. Summer can also mean new activities and adventures, which always bring additional risk…including the risk of dental injuries and emergencies.

 
 

As family dentists for The Woodlands and Spring communities - and as parents to two precious kiddos! - we want to be sure that families in our community know what to do and how quickly to do it when a dental emergency happens.

So what do you do when a dental emergency happens? And what are some of the leading causes of dental injuries and emergencies, especially among children?

COMMON DENTAL INJURIES

First of all, let’s talk about some of the most common dental injuries and emergencies. What are the most common dental injuries? According to the aafp, the following 8 conditions are the most common dental injuries (source: aafp):

  • Reversible pulpitis (inflammation of the pulp)

  • Irreversible pulpitis (inflammation of the pulp)

  • Abscess (localized bacterial infection)

  • Cellulitis (diffuse soft tissue bacterial infection)

  • Pericoronitis (inflamed gum over partially erupted tooth)

  • Tooth fracture (broken tooth)

  • Tooth luxation (loose tooth)

  • Tooth avulsion (missing tooth)

What causes these dental injuries and emergencies?

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF DENTAL INJURIES AND EMERGENCIES

As you might expect, some of these injuries are caused by habits, medications, poor hygiene, and hereditary conditions or diseases…as opposed to summer adventures. Most of these injuries will also be accompanied by pain or swelling as the primary symptom.

If you are experiencing any pain, swelling or discomfort in your teeth or gums, our dentists recommend that you book an appointment as soon as possible. While perhaps it may not seem like a dental emergency, dental injuries may continue to deteriorate into an emergency (and may even spread) if not treated as soon as possible.

Another primary cause of dental emergencies is TRAUMA. Dental trauma, like fractures and luxation or avulsion, can happen because of a car accident, sports or falls. Young children are especially prone to falls, and older kids are prone to sports-related dental injuries.

Even jumping on a trampoline or playing tag has been known to cause broken or loose teeth.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY

If you or your child think you may have dental trauma or a dental emergency, you should call your dentist immediately. If the emergency or injury happens in the evening or on weekends, you should call an emergency dentist right away. Some dental injuries require immediate treatment in order to save your tooth. 

How do you know if you have a regular dental injury that can wait for a regular exam or if you’re experiencing a dental emergency and need to see a dentist immediately? The following symptoms are a clear indication that you should visit a dentist immediately:

  • Severe pain combined with bleeding

  • Tooth loss or a large chip

  • Loose teeth

  • Swelling in your gums, face or neck

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please call us or an emergency dentist immediately.

As parents AND dentists in The Woodlands and Spring, we want to offer one last recommendation: trust your parent gut. If your child does not seem to exhibit the above indicators but you are worried about the possibility of dental trauma or injury…call us! Our children are life’s greatest treasures, so it is always worth it to have their concerns taken seriously and their health prioritized.

GENERAL AND FAMILY DENTISTS FOR THE WOODLANDS AND SPRING

Drs. Samantha and James Tejada provide dental care to The Woodlands and Spring communities because they truly care about your health and the health of your family. Their dental office is equipped with the latest in dental technology, and their experience in treating dental emergencies enables them to provide the best dental care when you are faced with a dental emergency.

Questions about whether or not your dental injury is a dental emergency? Don’t wait to book your appointment at WoodSprings Dentistry. Your oral and dental health is essential to your overall health and wellbeing. Call us today or request your appointment online.

Joelle Allen