Dental Emergencies Treated in Clear Lake

Rosas Family Dentistry in Clear Lake, TX understands that a tooth emergency can happen at any time. A sporting accident or a hard fall can result in a tooth breaking or falling out and can also cause a lot of pain. Dr. Nan Rosas offers accessible office hours for our patients in need of emergency dental treatments.

But do you need to see a dentist immediately? It’s important to understand what a true dental emergency is so that we can serve your needs in the best way possible.

What Is A True Dental Emergency?

A true dental emergency is a situation when you need immediate dental treatment. Trauma that occurred during some form of accident such as a tooth that has been knocked out, became suddenly very loose or broken to the gum line constitutes a true dental emergency.

Severe decay that has caused a tooth to become infected can often lead to a dental emergency. When severe pain is unable to be controlled with over-the-counter medication and prevents you from sleeping, you may be experiencing a dental emergency and need urgent dental care.

Additionally, an infected tooth can cause a large swelling in the gum tissue. This swelling can either appear inside the mouth or on the face and neck area. Swelling can often occur over night and typically severe pain is involved. A large swollen area is reason for an emergency dental visit.

What Is Not An Emergency But Needs To Be Addressed Quickly?

What often seems to be an emergency can actually wait until normal appointment hours. By contacting our office and letting us know what is going on, we can typically see you within 24 hours.

Examples of dental situations that need to be addressed but are not a true emergency are:

• A crown that has come off
• A tooth ache that has gradually gotten worse
• Wisdom tooth pain
• Cold or sweet sensitivity that is affecting how you eat but not affecting your sleep
• A lost or broken retainer

Dental Emergencies That Need Medical Attention

In some cases, while your emergency is dental related, you may be best served by seeking medical attention from the emergency room rather than the dentist office.

Such as a car accident that not only damages the teeth but also causes other injuries to the body is reason to head to the hospital instead of the dentist.

If you have sustained an injury and think your jaw or any facial bones are broken, medical attention at the hospital is needed.

And finally, a dental abscess that is swollen enough to affect your breathing or cause a high fever is reason to go to the hospital. You may need IV antibiotics to fight the infection.

Many Dental Emergencies Can Be Avoided

While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, by listening to your body’s warning signs you can prevent the need for after-hours dental care. If you begin to experience any of the following symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with Rosas Family Dentistry. Ignoring these small warning signs can lead to a dental emergency down the road:

• Sensitivity to cold or sweets is a warning sign that you may have a cavity that has gotten worse.
• Hot sensitivity is a warning sign that the nerve of the tooth is inflamed. If left untreated, you may eventually need an emergency root canal.
• A slight toothache could mean a number of things such as decay, a fractured tooth, a cracked filling or even the beginning of an abscess.
• Swollen gums or noticing bleeding when brushing or flossing are warning signs of periodontal disease. Untreated periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.
• Pressure from impacted wisdom teeth is a signal that it may be time to have them removed before they cause damage to surrounding teeth.

Don’t Put Off Recommended Dental Treatment

Preventative care visits are recommended twice per year, typically every six months. During these important appointments your teeth undergo radiographs, a professional cleaning and a thorough exam. By diagnosing and treating dental problems early, you can keep dental restorations to a minimum. Delaying taking care of recommended treatment needs puts you at risk for developing a dental emergency later.

Contact Rosas Family Dentistry For Your Emergency Needs

The team of dental professionals of Rosas Family Dentistry is conveniently located in Clear Lake, TX. We proudly serve the Houston area including the Clear Lake, League City, Webster, Seabrook, Friendswood, Kemah, and NASA areas. Dr. Rosas offers specialized hours for patients needing emergency dental treatments. Call us if you need to see an emergency dentist today.