What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Some dental situations clearly demand immediate attention, while others might seem urgent but can actually wait for a scheduled appointment. True dental emergencies typically involve severe pain, significant trauma, or situations where waiting could lead to permanent damage or infection.
Situations requiring immediate emergency care include:
• Severe, throbbing tooth pain that prevents normal activities
• A completely knocked-out permanent tooth
• Significant facial swelling, especially near the eye or throat
• Uncontrolled bleeding following dental trauma
• A cracked or fractured tooth causing sharp pain
• Lost fillings or crowns causing extreme sensitivity
• Abscesses or serious infections showing signs of spreading
However, minor chips, mild sensitivity, or a lost filling without pain often qualify as urgent rather than emergency situations. When you’re unsure, it’s always better to call and describe your symptoms so we can help you determine the best course of action.
Common Emergency Dental Situations We Handle
Severe Tooth Pain and Infections
Intense tooth pain rarely improves on its own and often signals a serious underlying problem like an infected tooth root or advanced decay. Dr. Marshall Olson approaches each pain emergency with thorough diagnostics to identify the exact cause, then provides targeted treatment that addresses both immediate relief and long-term oral health.
Dental infections can become dangerous quickly, sometimes spreading to other parts of your face, neck, or even your bloodstream. We take every infection seriously, providing antibiotic therapy when appropriate and definitive treatment to eliminate the source of infection.
Dental Trauma and Knocked-Out Teeth
Accidents happen, whether you’re playing sports, experiencing a fall, or dealing with an unexpected impact to your mouth. When a permanent tooth gets completely knocked out, time becomes critical – the best chance for successful re-implantation occurs within the first hour after the incident.
For knocked-out teeth, handle the tooth by the crown (never the root), rinse gently if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that’s not feasible, store it in milk or saliva while getting to our office immediately.
What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit
When you contact us for emergency dentistry in Irving, we prioritize getting you seen quickly while gathering essential information about your situation. Our team will ask specific questions about your symptoms, pain level, and any recent trauma to help us prepare for your arrival and ensure we have everything needed for your care.
During your emergency appointment, we start with a comprehensive examination to understand exactly what’s happening. This might include digital imaging to see areas not visible during a visual exam, especially when dealing with potential fractures, infections, or other internal issues.
Pain management takes priority in emergency situations. We’ll work to get you comfortable first, then focus on addressing the underlying problem. Dr. Marshall Olson explains each step of the treatment process, ensuring you understand your options and feel confident in the care you’re receiving.
Emergency Dentistry in Irving: Follow-Up Care
Emergency treatment often focuses on immediate relief and stabilization, but comprehensive care might require additional appointments. We’ll create a clear plan for any follow-up treatment needed and help you understand timeline expectations for complete healing.
Some emergency situations, like severe infections or extensive trauma, may require referral to specialists for optimal outcomes. When this happens, we coordinate closely with trusted colleagues to ensure seamless continuity of care.
Getting Emergency Care When You Need It
Dental emergencies don’t respect normal business hours, and serious situations may require immediate attention regardless of timing. For after-hours emergencies, our answering service can connect you with Dr. Olson or provide guidance on the most appropriate next steps for your specific situation.
During regular hours, we maintain flexibility in our schedule to accommodate urgent situations. Same-day appointments often become available for true emergencies, and our team works diligently to see emergency patients as quickly as possible.
Don’t let dental pain control your life – call Eco Dental and Wellness today for the emergency care you need. Our Irving team is ready to provide the expert, compassionate treatment that gets you back to feeling like yourself again.