28
May
Is This a Dental Emergency? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before It’s Too Late!
Dental discomfort can sneak up on you. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re clutching your jaw in pain or trying to save a tooth. But how do you know if it’s a true dental emergency or something that can wait until regular business hours? At Glow Dental Co in Austin, Texas, Dr. Kelsi Lewis and her team are here to help patients confidently make that crucial decision. If you’re experiencing a dental issue and are unsure what to do next, here is a list of 5 questions to help determine if it’s time to call an emergency dentist.
1. Am I in severe pain?
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong, and dental pain should never be ignored. Sharp, throbbing, or persistent pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medications may indicate a serious problem like an infection, abscess, or a damaged tooth nerve. If the pain is making it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate, it’s time to call an emergency dentist immediately.
2. Is my tooth cracked, broken, or knocked out?
Damage to your teeth caused by an accident, sports injury, or biting down on something hard can quickly become a dental emergency. A cracked or broken tooth can expose nerves and lead to infection. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if re-implanted within 30 minutes to an hour. In any of these cases, time is of the essence. Get to a dental office right away.
3. Is there swelling in my mouth, jaw, or face?
Swelling, especially if accompanied by pain, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth, can indicate a serious infection or abscess. Left untreated, dental infections can spread quickly and even become life-threatening. Facial or jaw swelling should always be treated as a dental emergency, especially if it’s affecting your ability to breathe or swallow.
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4. Do I have a loose or missing dental restoration?
While not every lost crown or filling qualifies as an emergency, if the loss is causing discomfort or exposing sensitive parts of your tooth, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. A loose crown or broken filling can allow bacteria to reach the inner layers of your tooth, increasing your risk for further damage or infection.
5. Is there uncontrolled bleeding in my mouth?
Bleeding after a dental procedure is expected. However, uncontrolled or spontaneous bleeding from the gums, tongue, or other oral tissues is not. If you’ve experienced trauma to the mouth or notice ongoing bleeding that won’t stop with gentle pressure, it could be a sign of a serious issue and warrants an emergency dental visit.
Don’t Wait. Call Glow Dental Co for Help
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, don’t delay. Dental emergencies can escalate quickly, and early intervention can make all the difference in saving your teeth and easing your pain. At Glow Dental Co in Austin, TX, Dr. Kelsi Lewis and her compassionate team are here to provide urgent care when needed. Call us now at (512) 572-4842 to schedule your emergency appointment. We’re ready to bring back your smile, no matter what time.
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Dr. Kelsi Lewis
Dr. Kelsi Lewis is a skilled dentist who earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, TX, following her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Tarleton State University. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Austin Chamber of Commerce, highlighting her commitment to maintaining professional excellence.
As the owner of Glow Dental Co., Dr. Lewis leads a compassionate and dedicated team that strives to provide personalized care for each patient, ensuring that every individual is treated like family, and serves the community of Austin and surrounding areas with the highest standards of dental care.