Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Whether you’re involved in sports, have an accident, or face another mishap, accidents can result in immediate tooth damage. We’re here to help with urgent dental issues through our emergency dentistry services.
A dental emergency is any issue that requires immediate attention to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or relieve intense pain. Severe infections or abscesses in the mouth can be life threatening and must be addressed immediately.
- A toothache that prevents eating or sleeping.
- A tooth knocked out.
- Broken or loose braces. If you wear braces, call your orthodontist immediately.
- Chipped or broken teeth, especially if the chip is large or the tooth is cracked or in pieces.
- A lost filling or crown.
- An abscess or “pimple” on the gumline.
Call us if you have:
Dental First Aid, What To Do?
Dental emergencies can be overwhelming, but staying calm and following first aid steps can help. Always seek professional care as soon as possible.
Here are some practical tips for common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the affected area. You may also take pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Be sure to follow the instructions on the medication bottle. Note what medication you took, how much, and when you took it so we can keep track when you arrive.
Knocked Out Teeth
Time is critical, there’s a chance we can restore your natural tooth! If a tooth is knocked out, and it’s relatively clean, try to gently place it back in its socket. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk. Contact us immediately. A knocked out tooth has a better chance of being saved if treated within the hour.
Broken Teeth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove small fragments. If you’re bleeding, apply sterile gauze to the area until the bleeding stops. A cold compress can help reduce pain and swelling. Contact us immediately, and we will act quickly to ease your pain, heal the injury, and restore your tooth.
Abscess
An abscess is an infection that occurs around the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. This is a serious condition that can damage surrounding tissue and teeth. If untreated, the infection could spread to other parts of the body. See your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water) several times a day to reduce pain and help bring the pus to the surface.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the dental first aid tips above can help, the best first step is always to call us! We will provide guidance over the phone to relieve your pain, save your tooth, and get you to our office as quickly as possible.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and read the directions on the medication bottle. If it’s safe for you, you may take pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin to ease your pain. However, this is not a permanent solution. Since dental pain is often nerve related, the real relief comes from treatment provided by your dentist. If you take any medication, make a note of the type, amount, and timing, and let us know when you arrive.
Yes, you can go to the Emergency Room (ER) if you need emergency dental care. The ER will treat you and bill your health insurance. However, the ER typically cannot address dental issues unless there’s a health emergency involved. They may provide temporary pain relief until you can see a dentist.
If left untreated, a broken tooth can trap bacteria, leading to infection or abscess. The tooth may also risk nerve damage, which could require a root canal.
If an abscess ruptures, you may experience less pain, but you still need dental care. If the abscess doesn’t drain, the infection can spread to your jaw and other areas of your head and neck. This could result in sepsis, a life threatening infection that spreads throughout your body.
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