Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Dental problems can arise unexpectedly, whether from sports, falls, or other accidents. If you experience tooth damage or severe pain, we’re here to help with emergency dentistry services.
A dental emergency requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or alleviate pain. Severe infections or abscesses can be life-threatening and require urgent attention.
- Toothache that prevents you from eating or sleeping.
- Tooth knocked out.
- Broken/loose braces – If you see an orthodontist, call them immediately.
- Chipped/broken teeth – If the chip is significant or your tooth is cracked or your tooth is in pieces.
- Lost filling/crown.
- Abscess or ‘pimple’ on the gumline.
Contact us if you experience:
Dental First Aid - What to Do
We understand that dental emergencies can be frightening and overwhelming. Whether it’s happening to you or a loved one, staying calm, performing first aid, and seeking prompt professional care is key.
Here are some practical tips for handling common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can help alleviate the pain. Always follow dosage instructions on the medication label. Keep a note of what medication you took, the dosage, and the time, so you can share it when you visit us.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical for saving a knocked-out tooth! If the tooth is clean, gently reinsert it into the socket. If you’re unsure or it’s painful, store the tooth in a cup of milk. Call us immediately. A knocked-out tooth is more likely to be saved if treated within the hour.
Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If bleeding occurs, apply sterile gauze until the bleeding stops. A cold compress can help reduce pain and swelling. Contact us right away—we will address the pain, repair the injury, and restore your tooth.
Abscess
An abscess is an infection around the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. This serious condition can damage tissues, affect surrounding teeth, and potentially spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. See your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day to alleviate discomfort and help draw the pus toward 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
For dental emergencies, refer to the first aid tips above. However, the best first step is always to call us! We’ll provide guidance over the phone to help relieve your pain, protect your tooth, and get you to our office as quickly as possible.
Follow your doctor’s advice and the medication label. If safe for you, over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin can help reduce pain temporarily. Remember, dental pain is often nerve-related, and lasting relief requires professional treatment. If you take any medication, note what you took, how much, and when, and share this information with us.
Yes, you can go to the Emergency Room (ER) for dental emergencies, but the ER will usually only provide temporary relief. They are unlikely to treat the underlying dental issue unless it is a health emergency and will likely bill your health insurance.
If a broken tooth is left untreated, it can harbor bacteria, leading to infection or abscess. It can also cause nerve damage, possibly resulting in the need for a root canal.
If a tooth infection (abscess) ruptures, the pain may decrease, but you still need dental care. If the infection doesn’t drain, it can spread to the jaw, head, and neck. This could lead to sepsis, a serious, life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body. Immediate treatment is essential.
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