You don’t have to put off getting the dental care you need in an emergency. Contact our team right away to save your smile! Not sure if your situation qualifies as a dental emergency? Keep reading to find out.
Do I need emergency dental care?
Don't let a dental emergency ruin your smile! Knowing when to seek immediate care can be tricky, but persistent pain or an injury to your mouth or teeth are clear signs that you need to see a dentist right away. If you're experiencing unexplained pain or if something has fallen out of your mouth, it's crucial to take action. Don't wait - give us a call and our team will assess your situation and provide guidance on self-care until you can get the professional help you need. Your smile is worth it!
DID YOU Know?
If a tooth is knocked out, place it in cold milk or keep it wet in your mouth with your saliva while you head to your emergency appointment.
The Benefits of Emergency Dentistry
Say Goodbye to Pain
There’s no need to let pain hold you back any longer. Discover effective solutions to relieve your pain and regain control of your life.
Reclaim Your Confident Smile
Don't let dental issues keep you from smiling with confidence. Restore your bite and transform your smile with our expert dental services.
Stop Complications in Their Tracks
Leaving dental emergencies alone can escalate them into more serious problems. Take proactive steps now to prevent further complications and safeguard your oral health.
Free Emergency Exam
Find a solution to your dental emergency
No one plans to have a dental emergency, and that’s why we offer complimentary emergency dental exams, complete with necessary intraoral x-rays, so you don’t need to wait to get the care you need to relieve your dental pain.
What do I do in a Dental Emergency?
Keep Calm & Reduce Bleeding
Any dental mishap can transform a routine day into a stressful, discomforting ordeal. But remember, it's essential to remain calm - your dentist is here to assist you. Simply inhaling deeply and evaluating the situation can significantly improve your decision-making during an emergency. If any bleeding occurs due to your dental injury, use a sterile strip of gauze to apply pressure on the affected area. Hold the gauze in position until the bleeding ceases, or until you get to our office.
Control Swelling & Pain
You can temporarily lessen any pain or swelling you might be experiencing using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. But, avoid aspirin and similar blood-thinning medicines, as they could hamper clot formation and make it harder to halt bleeding. Besides medication, a cold compress can also offer pain relief. Apply an ice pack to the cheek or lip near the affected area.
Call Us Right Away
Once you've gotten a handle on your dental emergency, give us a call right away. Even if you're not certain whether your situation is an emergency, our team is here to help evaluate the injury's seriousness and get you into our office for the necessary care as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’ve knocked out a tooth?
If you've accidentally knocked out a tooth, it's important to act quickly to increase the chances of saving it. First, carefully pick up the tooth by the top (crown) and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with warm water to remove any debris, being careful not to scrub or rub it. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it. If it doesn't go back in easily, store it in a container of cold milk or keep it moist in your mouth with your saliva and contact us immediately for guidance and to ensure we are prepared for your visit. Time is of the essence, as the tooth needs to be replaced and splinted within 1-2 hours to avoid further damage.
What should I do if my dental work has fallen out?
If any of your dental work, such as a filling or crown, has fallen out, it's important to take action promptly. Place the dental work in a plastic bag or container and bring it with you to our office. Call us right away to schedule an emergency visit so we can address the issue as soon as possible. Even though it's not a natural tooth, losing dental work can expose vulnerable parts of your mouth to bacteria, leading to infection, decay, or other complications. Don't delay in getting in touch with us to ensure your smile is restored with restorative dental work.
What should I do about a severe toothache?
If you're experiencing a severe toothache, it could indicate a tooth infection, which requires immediate attention. Contact us without delay to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, you can manage the pain by applying a cold compress to your cheek, taking over-the-counter pain medication, or using a topical product like Orajel to numb the tooth. However, it's crucial to seek professional dental care to address the underlying cause of the toothache and prevent further complications. Root canal therapy may be necessary to save the tooth.
What should I do about a chipped, broken or cracked tooth?
If you have a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth, it's essential to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Without a thorough examination, it's difficult to determine the severity of the damage. Leaving such issues untreated can lead to infections and additional complications that could have been prevented. Contact us immediately to schedule an appointment and allow us to assess the extent of the damage. We will provide guidance and recommendations on how to restore and protect your smile, as well as alleviate any dental pain you may be experiencing.
What should I do about a loose tooth?
If you have a loose tooth due to a dental injury, it's crucial to contact us right away to schedule a same-day appointment. Leaving a loose tooth untreated can result in the nerves supporting the tooth dying, leading to its loss. To maintain stability, avoid touching the loose tooth with your tongue or fingers. When you arrive at our office for emergency care, your dentist may decide to attach the loose tooth to the adjacent teeth with a stabilizing splint. This splint will provide support and initiate the healing process, allowing the tooth to reattach itself to your gums. Every case is different, so your dentist will recommend a treatment plan suited to your unique needs. Don't hesitate to reach out for our help – we are here to assist you in preserving your tooth.
What are some common dental emergencies, and how are they treated?
Common dental emergencies can range from severe pain to physical injuries affecting the teeth and gums. Here's how they are typically addressed:
- Tooth Pain Relief: Treatment may involve antibiotics or other methods to alleviate pain and address the underlying issue.
- Extractions: Necessary for irreparably damaged teeth or severe wisdom tooth pain to prevent further complications.
- Abscess Treatment: Both tooth and gum abscesses require immediate care, often involving drainage and antibiotics to eliminate infection.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth Repair: Restorative treatments like bonding or crowns can fix damaged teeth.
- Knocked-Out Teeth (Avulsion): Prompt treatment may allow for the re-implantation of the tooth, preserving its natural position and function.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns: These can be re-cemented or replaced as needed to restore tooth integrity and comfort.
- Broken Braces: Emergency dental care can address damaged orthodontic appliances to avoid discomfort or setbacks in treatment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the gums, cheeks, tongue, or lips often require professional care to heal properly.
- Ulcers in Mouth: Treatment may involve applying specific medications to alleviate pain caused by aphthous ulcers or stress ulcers.
- Wisdom Tooth Pain: Extractions are a common solution to relieve severe discomfort and prevent future issues.
- Trismus (Locked Jaw): Treatment focuses on relieving muscle spasm and inflammation to restore jaw movement.
- Same-Day Implants: For some patients, it's possible to replace an extracted tooth with an implant and crown on the same day, offering a quick return to function and aesthetics.
Each of these emergencies requires prompt attention to alleviate pain, treat the underlying cause, and prevent further dental health issues.