When to Seek Medical Help for Dental Emergency

Dental Emergency – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

When to Seek Medical Help for Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency occurs when the teeth or soft tissues in the mouth are damaged or removed. These injuries may be caused by trauma or they may be the result of improper dental hygiene. Regardless of the reason, dental emergencies can be very painful. Our emergency centers are equipped to treat your dental emergencies when your dentist is not available.

You can make an appointment but we also accept walk ins. We have several locations and our ERs are open 24/7 and staffed with board-certified physicians. A Dental emergency can happen at any time. ER of Texas Emergency Room is here to help when your regular dentist is not available. Visit or call us and let our ER team alleviate your pain in our clean, state-of-the-art environment.

Emergency Dental Care

If you feel the below six signs, you may seek the nearest dental emergency care:

  • Abscess or Swelling: A dental abscess occurs when pus gathers in or near a tooth. This can cause pain and swelling and the tooth may become tender. Our ER physicians can drain the tooth to alleviate pain and can also help should you need surgery to repair the injury.
  • Toothache: A toothache is the result of irritating the nerve of a tooth, and it can cause mild pain, pressure and sensitivity. Toothaches are often caused by gum disease and dental infections. It may be possible to alleviate pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever, but you may need to see a physician if the pain is severe or is associated with facial swelling.
  • Knocked out or Dislodged Tooth: If a tooth has been knocked out or moved out of place, it may be possible for a medical professional to put it back in its socket. In order for the tooth to be saved and replanted, you must avoid touching its root. If the tooth is dirty, you should rinse it gently with water and place it back in its socket as soon as possible. You can then hold it in place with your fingers or by gently biting it. If you can’t place the tooth back in your mouth, keep it moist in milk until you see a doctor or dentist.
  • Cracked Tooth: Teeth may crack over time, but they may also be cracked or chipped from an injury. Some cracks may only affect the enamel of the tooth, and they may not cause any pain or discomfort. However, some cracks can occur on the tooth’s chewing surface, which can make it painful to eat or drink. A medical professional may be able to repair the crack and eliminate the pain. If the crack extends toward the root, you may need a root canal in order to repair the damage, and if it is left untreated, a cracked tooth may split so badly that it cannot be saved.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: The soft tissues of your mouth include the gums, tongue, lips and cheeks, and they may be injured when you bite down on them or chew on something hard. These injuries are often minor and may not need to be treated by a doctor unless they will not stop bleeding.
  • Objects Stuck in Mouth: If you get food or an object lodged between your teeth, then you may be able to treat it on your own. Carefully try to remove the object using a dental pick or dental floss, and then rinse your mouth with warm water. You should also take care that you do not damage your gums or teeth in the process.

When Should You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain?

  • You have a high fever
  • You experience chills
  • You get a facial rash
  • You have difficulty swallowing

If you have tooth pain or swelling that is preventing you from eating or enjoying regular activities, you should see a medical professional or make an appointment for emergency dental care. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, see an ER doctor as quickly as possible:

Visit one of our closest emergency centers in Texas for dental emergencies. We can help you start feeling better so that you can continue to live a pain-free life. ER of Texas has multiple ER locations across Dallas, Texas, meaning an ER is always just minutes away.

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