Did you wake up in the middle of the night with a sudden toothache? Perhaps you broke a tooth. Or, maybe your tooth has been feeling extra sensitive for a while but you think you will be okay for another week or so before it’s intolerable. When it comes to contacting us for emergency dentistry, you may have a hard time knowing whether or not you are suffering from a true dental emergency. The idea of contacting us only to find out the problem was not urgent may cause you to feel hesitant. Unfortunately, this type of hesitation may also result in serious damage if you needed immediate care. Rather than continuing to wonder, we always invite you to contact us if you are unsure, so we may help you determine the best time to schedule your visit. In the meantime, use the following quiz answers as a guideline:

Emergency Dentistry Quiz: Dental Emergency Or Not?

1. Dental Emergency or Not: You cut your mouth on accident and now it is bleeding profusely. Even with applied pressure, you cannot seem to get the bleeding to stop and you are surprised at how much blood you have lost.
2. Dental Emergency or Not: Your tooth aches a bit but you seem to be able to alleviate the discomfort completely by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
3. Dental Emergency or Not: Someone opened a door and it accidentally hit your face with extreme force. Your tooth is broken.

Answer Key

1. Not. This is a true medical emergency. If you are afraid for your life – particularly when significant blood loss is involved – you need to skip a phone call to us. Instead, contact 911 or visit your nearest emergency room for help.
2. Not. You should still call us but we will likely suggest a regularly scheduled dental appointment. The pain you are experiencing is certainly a sign of an underlying problem but not something that needs immediate treatment to prevent serious damage.
3. Dental Emergency. Anything that requires immediate attention, including problems like a broken or dislodged tooth, food lodged between teeth that you cannot remove with flossing, severe pain that will not go away, or severe swelling are all excellent reasons to contact is for emergency dentistry.

ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE, TX DENTISTS:

As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.