Are You Experiencing a Dental Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know

Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye — and when it comes to treating dental emergencies, every minute counts. Seeking the right care promptly can make all the difference in protecting your oral health and avoiding more serious issues, such as tooth loss.

Fortunately, our team at Austin Advanced Dentistry is ready to help. We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies in Austin, Texas. Here's what you need to know about dental emergencies and how to address them.

How to identify a dental emergency

A dental emergency is any situation in which you have severe mouth pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to your teeth, gums, or jaw that requires immediate attention. Some examples include:

• A sudden, intense toothache that doesn’t go away
• A tooth that’s been knocked out or partially dislodged
• A broken or cracked tooth with sharp edges or exposed nerve tissue
• Swelling, infection, or an abscess in your gums or face that’s spreading
• Uncontrolled bleeding following trauma to your mouth or after dental work

These issues aren't just painful — they can lead to serious complications and even permanent damage if they're not addressed quickly. The best way to avoid long-term issues is to learn to recognize what constitutes a dental emergency so that you can receive care promptly.

Recognizing possible causes of a dental emergency

Emergency dental issues can occur at any time, anywhere. Some common causes we see are:

• Accidents or trauma, like a fall, sports injury, or even biting something hard
• Dental work issues, like a filling or crown that breaks and exposes nerve tissue
• Untreated tooth decay that progresses to pulp inflammation or abscess
• Gum disease or untreated infections that spread

It's also important to remember that even if an issue seems minor at first, it can escalate quickly. If you have intense pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma, don't wait to seek emergency dental care.

When to see an emergency dentist vs. waiting for an appointment

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating dental emergencies, but it's not always easy to know if your situation requires immediate care. Here's a guide to help you determine the urgency of your situation.

Visit an emergency dentist if you experience severe, persistent mouth pain, swelling, or an abscess, or if your permanent tooth is loose or knocked out. Get same-day care if you have a broken tooth with a painful, exposed nerve to help avoid lasting damage.

You may be able to wait for a regular dentist appointment if you have a minor chip or crack in a tooth without any pain or swelling, or if you've lost a filling or crown but it doesn't hurt.

If you're experiencing trouble swallowing or breathing, or the swelling is severe and spreading to your face or neck, it's best to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room instead of seeking treatment from an emergency dentist.

What to expect from same-day emergency dental services

When you visit Austin Advanced Dentistry for a dental emergency, we begin by assessing the severity of the issue and checking for trauma, infection, or nerve exposure.

Then, we take any immediate measures, such as numbing the area, applying temporary covers, or administering antibiotics as needed. We may take X-rays or scans to assess the underlying damage and diagnose your condition.

Next, we move on to treatment options. Depending on the problem, treatments might include root canal therapy, reattachment of knocked-out teeth, crowns, or extractions. Our goal is to relieve pain, prevent infection, and save your natural teeth whenever possible. We will provide you with instructions for recovery, possible referrals, and schedule any necessary follow-ups.

If you recognize any of the warning signs above, don't try to wait it out. With our same-day emergency dentistry services, you'll get fast, expert help to relieve pain, treat infection, and protect your smile. Call us at 512-886-6734 or message us online to learn more.