Dental emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time to strike.
Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or unbearable discomfort, fast action can make all the difference. At Accelerated Dental in Las Vegas, NV, we’re ready to help when you need us most. Contact us right away if you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency.
What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies include situations where immediate treatment is needed to stop bleeding, relieve severe discomfort, or save a tooth. These problems may also involve infections or trauma that could worsen quickly if left untreated. Recognizing when something is urgent can help you get the right care without delay.
- Severe discomfort or swelling: Could indicate an abscess or serious infection.
- Broken or knocked-out teeth: Especially when accompanied by bleeding or exposed nerves.
- Uncontrolled bleeding: From the mouth, tongue, or gums.
- Facial trauma or visible jaw damage: Especially if it affects your ability to chew or speak.
Steps To Take In A Dental Emergency
When a dental emergency happens, acting quickly and calmly is key. Knowing what to do in the moment can prevent complications and increase your chances of a full recovery. Here are some helpful steps to take while you’re on your way to our office.
- Call us immediately: Fast contact helps us prepare for your arrival.
- Keep the area clean: Rinse gently with warm water if possible.
- Preserve any broken pieces: Store them in milk or saliva.
- Control swelling and bleeding: Use cold compresses and clean gauze.
Emergencies We Treat
Dental emergencies can take many forms, and each one needs prompt attention. The following sections highlight some of the most common urgent issues we treat. Understanding these situations can help you know what to do when every moment counts.
A sudden, intense toothache is often a sign that something deeper is wrong, like an infection or nerve damage. This type of discomfort doesn’t go away on its own and usually worsens if left untreated. Timely care can relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications.
- Sharp or throbbing pain: May indicate an abscess or advanced decay.
- Swelling in the face or jaw: Often signals infection spreading below the surface.
- Sensitivity to temperature or pressure: Could mean nerve involvement.
- Discomfort that interrupts sleep: A red flag that urgent care is needed.
Cracks in a tooth can be caused by biting down on something hard, trauma, or wear over time. Even a small crack can lead to sensitivity or future breakage if ignored. Early treatment can preserve the tooth and prevent infection.
- Visible lines or fractures: Sometimes seen on the tooth surface.
- Sensitivity when chewing: A common symptom with hairline cracks.
- Discomfort with temperature changes: Especially when drinking hot or cold liquids.
- Unexplained tooth discomfort: May indicate a crack below the gumline.
Tooth fractures can range from minor chips to deep breaks affecting the root or pulp. These injuries are often the result of accidents, sports, or grinding. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve bonding, crowns, or root canal therapy.
- Rough or jagged edges: That irritate the tongue or cheeks.
- Visible breakage or missing part of the tooth: May expose sensitive inner layers.
- Swelling or bleeding around the tooth: Indicates soft tissue involvement.
- Discomfort when biting down: Suggests damage to the tooth’s structure.
A tooth avulsion occurs when a tooth is completely knocked out of its socket. This is a true emergency where fast action can mean the difference between saving and losing the tooth. Handle the tooth carefully and call us immediately.
- Tooth has fully come out: Should be kept moist and handled by the crown only.
- Bleeding at the socket site: Apply light pressure with a clean cloth.
- No visible damage to the root: Increases chances of successful reimplantation.
- Happened within the past hour: The sooner we act, the better the outcome.
Injuries to the lips, gums, tongue, or cheeks can result from falls, bites, or impacts. These injuries may bleed heavily and require professional care to assess the damage. We’re here to help control the bleeding and ensure no further harm is present.
- Deep cuts or lacerations: May need stitches to heal properly.
- Persistent bleeding after 10 minutes: Signals a need for emergency treatment.
- Swelling or bruising: Can be soothed with a cold compress.
- Pain while speaking or eating: Suggests damage to internal tissues.
The Impact Of Neglecting Dental Emergencies
Ignoring a dental emergency can lead to serious health issues and costly treatments. Infections can spread to other parts of the body, while untreated injuries may result in permanent tooth loss. The longer you wait, the more complicated the outcome can become.
- Increased risk of infection: Can spread to the jaw, face, or bloodstream.
- Tooth loss becomes likely: Especially if damage is not addressed quickly.
- Higher treatment costs later: Delays can lead to more complex procedures.
- Long-term discomfort or dysfunction: May affect eating, speaking, or appearance.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, many are preventable with smart habits and regular care. Protecting your teeth during physical activities and maintaining good hygiene are key. Being proactive today can spare you stress later.
- Wear a mouthguard: Especially during sports or high-impact activities.
- Avoid chewing hard objects: Such as ice, pens, or hard candy.
- Keep up with dental visits: Let us catch issues before they worsen.
- Address minor problems early: Small concerns can become big emergencies.
Care That Moves Fast, Comfort That Lasts
When emergencies strike, you shouldn’t have to wait to get relief. Accelerated Dental in Las Vegas, NV, is here to provide urgent care when you need it most. From severe toothaches to avulsed teeth, we’re ready to help save your smile. Call us right away to schedule your emergency visit.