What is Considered to be a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are some of the most common types of medical emergencies in America. However, it can be difficult for patients to determine if the problem they are experiencing with their dental health needs to be treated immediately or if they can wait for a “regular” appointment. To help determine if an emergency appointment is necessary, Dr. Monti Harpalani recommends looking for these signs.

Types of Dental Emergencies Houston, Texas Residents Need to Look Out For

Missing or Broken Tooth. If you have had a tooth knocked out or a permanent tooth has fallen out, schedule an appointment with our office immediately, and try to bring in the tooth that came out so that the dentist can examine it to see if it can be replanted.

Loose teeth. Whether there was an accident that damaged a tooth, or if you’ve just noticed that the tooth is loose, call our office. There can be many reasons behind a loose tooth, and while you may or may not be in pain, it’s important to get medical attention right away to avoid further damage. If you have to wait for an appointment, do not put stress on the tooth, and avoid eating solid foods until the dentist gives you the all-clear.

Tooth pain. Your teeth may hurt for many different reasons, making it necessary to schedule an appointment with the dentist to determine the actual cause. Often, if the pain “goes away” after taking an over-the-counter painkiller such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen, it’s relatively safe to wait for the next “regular” appointment. If the pain persists despite taking these medications, or if it keeps coming back for more than three days, it’s probably a good idea to schedule an emergency appointment.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call our office immediately at 281-809-4902. At Vivid Dental, Dr. Monti Harpalani has had years of experience helping patients through these types of emergencies, and he looks forward to meeting with you.