7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Call an Emergency Dentist

Dental emergencies are just so rude about your weekends and evenings off. They tend to show up at the very worst time. And it seems that, more often than not, it’s outside of regular office hours.

Some dental issues can wait until Monday morning, but some just can’t. Dr. Mario Samaniego at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC handles what can’t.

1. A Toothache That’s Getting Worse

Feeling a quick zap of sensitivity when you eat something that’s too cold probably isn’t an emergency. But if you have a toothache that’s getting increasingly worse, that means something has reached the nerve. It could be decay or a crack. And sometimes it’s an infection under the root.

If toothache pain relief doesn’t come with over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s time to see an emergency dentist. 

2. Tooth That’s Cracked, Chipped, or Broken After an Accident

When you or one of your kids has fractured a tooth, it needs emergency care because otherwise you could lose it. The goal here is to try to save the nerve (so you can save the tooth), so you need to get to the dentist.

3. A Knocked Out Tooth

The clock starts the minute you knock a tooth out. And you’ve got about an hour. Two if you’re lucky. Do this, in this order:

1. Pick it up by the crown and don’t touch the root.
2. Gently rinse off the dirt. No scrubbing. Leave any tissue attached.
3. If you can put it back into the socket, do so and bite down on the gauze.
4. If not, drop it in a jar of save-a-tooth or some milk.
5. Call Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC and get ready to head that way.

4. Lost Filling, Loose Crown, or Dental Work That’s Broken

If you’ve lost a filling or your crown gets loose, bacteria can get in quickly. In a pinch, dental cement you can buy at the store will hold a crown for a few days. Meanwhile, chew on the other side of your mouth and don’t chew anything sticky. Call the team at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC and they’ll tell you when to come in.

5. Signs of a Serious Infection or Abscess

An abscess is an infection that has nowhere to drain. 

• Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
• Throbbing pain
• Salty or bad-tasting drainage in your mouth
• Chills and/or fever

An abscess will never clear up on its own. But if it releases the fluid, the infection can spread to other parts of your body. 

6. Mouth Injuries That Come with Head or Neck Trauma

If you’re in an accident where your mouth gets hurt, there’s a good chance your head and neck may have injuries too. Those can outrank your teeth. Head to the nearest emergency room or your family doctor first. 

7. Anything That Makes You Wonder if You Should See an Emergency Dentist in Las Cruces

If anything seems serious to you, it doesn’t hurt to call. Dr. Mario Samaniego and the team at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC would rather talk with you through a false alarm than see you lose your tooth three days later. To learn more, get in touch with the team by calling (575) 339-1838 today or visiting 2569 E Idaho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88011.

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