Dental Emergencies

University Oaks Dental

Elizabeth Peeling, DMD

Dentist located in Houston, TX

One in six adults in the United States has experienced a dental emergency in the past year. However, nearly 20% did nothing about it. If an accident occurs and/or you are in pain, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dr. Elizabeth Peeling at University Oaks Dental in Houston, Texas, set aside time each day for dental emergencies. To get the help you need, call or make an appointment online.

Dental Emergencies Q & A

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral injury that is in need of immediate attention. While not all mouth issues require prompt attention, those that should have you making a dental emergency appointment at University Oaks Dental include:

  • Extreme pain not controlled with over-the-counter medication
  • A tooth, crown, or filling that becomes loose or gets knocked out
  • Broken dentures
  • Cracked or fractured teeth
  • Puncture wounds, lacerations, or tears to your lips, cheeks, mouth, or tongue
  • Any dental problem requiring immediate treatment to save a tooth or stop your bleeding

How Do You Handle a Dental Emergency?

It’s important to keep a cool head and know what to do should a dental emergency occur to you or a loved one. After you make an appointment at University Oaks Dental, there are several steps to take to minimize the damage, including:

  • Knocked-Out Teeth: Keep the tooth moist at all times. If possible, try putting the tooth back in the socket. However, do not touch the root. If that’s not possible, either put it in between your cheek and gums or in a cup of milk.
  • Cracked Tooth: Rinse your mouth immediately with warm water and then put cold compresses on your face to keep the swelling to a minimum.
  • Loose Tooth: Without forcing it, try to put your tooth back in its original position and bite down to keep the tooth from moving.
  • Cuts or Lacerations: Clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
  • Toothaches: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out and use dental floss to gently remove anything caught between your teeth. Putting aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues is not recommended.
  • Stuck Objects: If you get something stuck in your mouth, try to remove it with floss. Be gentle and never use a sharp or pointed instrument to do so.

How Do You Avoid Dental Emergencies?

Many dental emergencies are avoidable through routine check-ups to ensure that your mouth and teeth are healthy, strong, and free from decay. In addition, there are several steps you can take, including:

  • Wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities
  • Not chewing hard objects, including ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy
  • Not using your teeth to cut or open objects

If you are having a dental emergency, call or make an appointment at University Oaks Dental in Houston, Texas.