The sharp stab of tooth pain or the shock of dental trauma can strike at any moment. When dental emergencies in Lubbock, TX arise, knowing whether to seek immediate care or wait for a scheduled appointment can significantly impact your oral health. Making the right decision quickly not only helps prevent permanent damage but also provides crucial relief from debilitating pain.

Call 806-507-6906 to reach High Plains Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Is Your Dental Issue an Emergency?

Most of us have experienced dental discomfort at some point, but determining what constitutes a true emergency isn’t always clear. While some oral health issues can be managed temporarily at home, others require immediate professional intervention. Here are the situations that should prompt an urgent call to your dentist:

  • Tooth Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth): Time is critical with a dislodged permanent tooth. Your dentist has the highest chance of successful reimplantation if treatment begins within 30 minutes of the incident. Keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva while seeking immediate care.
  • Severe Tooth Pain or Abscess: Intense, throbbing pain accompanied by swelling, fever, or a small bump on the gums could indicate an abscess. This infection can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated and requires immediate professional intervention.
  • Broken or Severely Cracked Tooth: While minor chips can usually wait, significant breaks or cracks, especially those causing severe pain or sharp edges that could damage soft tissue, need immediate attention to prevent infection and further damage.

When to Wait for Regular Office Hours

Some dental issues, while uncomfortable, may not constitute true emergencies. These situations typically include:

  • A small chip without pain
  • A lost filling or crown when there’s no severe discomfort
  • Mild tooth pain that improves with common pain relievers and doesn’t interfere with daily activities
  • Food stuck between teeth

Protecting Your Smile Before Problems Strike

While knowing how to handle dental emergencies in Lubbock, TX is essential, taking proactive steps to protect your oral health is even more valuable. Schedule regular cleanings and exams, protect your teeth during athletic activities with a custom mouthguard, and remember that your teeth are designed for eating – not opening bottles, cutting tape, or cracking nuts.

If an Emergency Occurs

First, take a deep breath and carefully evaluate what’s happened. A clear head helps you make better decisions and communicate more effectively with dental professionals about your situation. Remember to:

  • Document any incident details
  • Save broken tooth fragments
  • Contact your emergency dentist immediately
  • Follow their specific first-aid instructions
  • Get to the office as quickly as safely possible

For residents experiencing dental emergencies in Lubbock, TX and surrounding areas, prompt professional care is just a phone call away. 

Our team at High Plains Periodontics and Implant Dentistry knows exactly how unsettling and distressing a dental emergency can be. When pain or injury strikes, you deserve immediate attention from professionals who combine clinical expertise with genuine understanding and care. Our doors are open to help you through any urgent dental situation.

Don’t wait if you’re experiencing severe dental pain or trauma. 

Call 806-507-6906 to reach us as soon as possible. Your comfort and dental health are our top priorities, and we’re here to help restore both as quickly as possible. You can also schedule online for routine appointments.