When something happens to your teeth, you might wonder whether you should call your dental care provider immediately or wait until the next business day. Although you may not be sure what constitutes as a dental emergency, there are some times when you need to call your dentist’s urgent care number. This guide will help you determine whether you need to seek emergency care or can afford to wait the next time you experience one of the following situations.  

Severe Toothaches

Intense, prolonged pain should always be treated as a dental emergency. Serious toothaches often indicate deeply rooted decay, infections, or gum abscesses, all which can impact your overall health. If your tooth is sore because of a recent dental procedure, or you have been experiencing a minor toothache for a while, call your dental office, explain the problem, and let them decide when your next appointment should be.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth

Physical damage to your teeth can come as a surprise, especially if you weren’t eating anything hard or participating in contact sports when the problem occurred. Fractures that expose the underlying pulp require emergency dental care, while minor chips around the edges can be addressed a few days or even weeks from the date of the injury.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Losing a tooth during an accident or activity is a dental emergency that requires immediate care. Do your best to locate the missing tooth or fragments and handle them carefully, never touching exposed blood vessels or nerves. Store the tooth in a cup of milk or in the area between your lower teeth and lip to keep it moist until your dentist can see you. The sooner your dentist treats your knocked-out tooth, the more likely it can be preserved and reinserted.

The next time you experience a dental emergency, call the experts at Hill Country Dental Associates in Kerrville, TX. In addition to offering urgent care for a wide variety of dental problems, this experienced team provides gum disease treatments, teeth whitening, and even state-of-the-art dental implants. For more information about the practice or to request an appointment, send them a message online or call (830) 257-3000.