What To Do in a Dental Emergency?

by | May 1, 2020

When you experience dental pain, it’s important to understand whether you need emergency care. Not all dental issues are emergencies, and understanding the difference can help you avoid unnecessary stress. A toothache, a chipped tooth, or even pain from a dental crown might sound alarming, but they aren’t always urgent situations.

At BLVD Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know how stressful dental issues are, especially when they happen unexpectedly. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help our Fort Worth community. In this guide, we aim to help you understand what you can do if you find yourself facing a dental emergency.

What to Do If I Have a Sudden Toothache?

If you suddenly have a toothache, the first step is to determine whether you can manage it at home or if emergency care is needed. A simple toothache might need a bit of relief and a call to your dentist. You can start by rinsing with warm salt water to clean your mouth.

If there’s swelling, a cold compress on your cheek can help with both the swelling and pain. However, if the pain lingers or is sharp, see a dentist for emergency care in Fort Worth as soon as possible.

How Do I Know If My Dental Pain Needs Immediate Care?

Not all dental pain needs immediate care, but there are some factors may indicate you need emergency care, when you feel:

  • Severe Pain: If the pain is intense and doesn’t let up, it may be a sign of a deeper issue, like an infection.
  • Swelling or Fever: This could indicate a spreading infection. If you notice swelling around your face or a fever, don’t wait — head to the dentist
  • Broken Tooth: If your tooth breaks in a way that causes sharp pain or bleeding, get in touch with a local dental office in Fort Worth right away.

When in doubt, you can call BLVD Dentistry & Orthodontics Fort Worth office at 817-678-4908. We’ll guide you on the next best steps for your situation.

Can You Prevent Dental Emergencies Without Seeing a Dentist?

While you can’t predict every dental emergency, there are steps that you can follow to lower your risk. If you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard is essential.

It’s also a good idea to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or candy, which can damage your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing along with twice-yearly check-ups can prevent issues before they become emergencies.

Are There Any Home Remedies I Can Apply Before Visiting a Dentist?

Sometimes, emergencies happen at the worst times, like after hours or on a weekend when your regular Fort Worth dental office isn’t open. While home remedies aren’t a substitute for professional care, they can help keep things manageable until you see a dentist for an emergency.

For a toothache, a cold compress on your cheek can ease the pain. For broken teeth, try to save the pieces and rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean. Applying over-the-counter pain relief can help, but don’t put off seeing your dentist.

Need a Dental Emergency Appointment?

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Fort Worth, don’t wait around and risk further damage. At BLVD Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular office hours, which is why we offer quick appointments for urgent cases. Our team provides compassionate, quick care to give you relief from pain and takes care of your oral health.

Give us a call at 817-678-4908 or walk in to our dental office in Fort Worth Hulen if you’re in immediate need.