When a tooth suddenly hurts or breaks, it can be scary. But is it a genuine emergency? Knowing when it is and what you should do are crucial to calm, decisive action.
A dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, swelling, infection, uncontrolled bleeding, and/or a broken or knocked-out tooth. In these cases, an emergency dentist in Pampa, TX, like Dr. Chris Mohr, can see you quickly to relieve pain and protect your tooth.
Situations That Need Prompt Care
Sudden pain, swelling, and structural damage rarely improve on their own. And waiting can turn a manageable problem into a more serious one. Call Pampa Dental Arts right away if you have any of the following:
- Severe, throbbing tooth pain that makes it tough to focus during the day or sleep at night
- A loosened or fully knocked-out permanent tooth
- A deeply cracked, broken, or chipped tooth with pain or sharp edges
- Swelling in the gums or jaw, which, accompanied by a fever, can signal infection
- A lost dental crown or filling
When to Go to the ER Instead
Some oral health emergencies actually require hospital care rather than a dental visit. Go to the emergency room if you have:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Swelling that is spreading
- A fever along with facial swelling
- A serious head or jaw injury
- Bleeding that will not stop
What to Do While You Wait
Here are a few steps you can take while preparing for emergency dental care in Pampa:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water.
- Hold an ice pack against your cheek to control swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out:
- Pick it up by the crown (never the root).
- Rinse it gently (no scrubbing)
- Keep it in milk to prevent drying.
- Call your emergency dentist in Pampa immediately! Receiving care within about an hour dramatically boosts the chance of re-implanting the natural tooth.
Prompt, Compassionate Emergency Dentist in Pampa, TX
If you’re in Pampa and want to learn more about emergency dental care, or aren’t sure whether your pain counts as an emergency, contact Dr. Chris Mohr and the caring and experienced Pampa Dental Arts team to schedule a visit and get the timely care you need.