Do I need emergency dental care?
Unexpected dental problems can arise at any time. Whether you play sports, take a fall, or have some other mishap, accidents can cause immediate tooth damage. We are here to help address some of the most urgent dental issues with emergency dentistry services.
Any dental problem that requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or alleviate severe pain is considered a dental emergency. A severe infection or abscess in the mouth can be life threatening and requires immediate attention.
Call us if you have:
- Toothache that prevents you from eating or sleeping
- Tooth knocked out
- Broken or loose braces – If you see an orthodontist, contact them immediately
- Chipped or broken teeth – If the chip is significant or the tooth is cracked or in pieces
- Lost filling or crown
- Abscess or pimple on the gumline
Dental First Aid - What To Do
We understand that dental emergencies can be overwhelming, whether it’s happening to you or a loved one. Stay calm, perform first aid, and arrange to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
Here are some practical tips for common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the area. You may take a pain reliever like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) to ease the pain. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any medication. Keep track of what medication you took, the dosage, and the time, and inform us when you come in.
Knocked Out Teeth
Time is crucial. We may be able to restore your natural tooth! If the whole tooth has been knocked out and is reasonably clean, quickly and gently reinsert the tooth into its socket. If you’re unsure or it’s too painful to do so, place the tooth in a cup of milk and call us immediately. A knocked out tooth is more likely to be saved if treated within the hour.
Broken Teeth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to wash away smaller fragments. If you are bleeding, hold a piece of sterile gauze on the area until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling. Call us immediately, and we will work quickly to relieve pain, treat the injury, and restore your tooth.
Abscess
Abscesses are infections that form around the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. They are serious and can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, potentially spreading the infection to other parts of the body if left untreated. See your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day to ease pain and help draw 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
There are first aid tips provided above, but the best first step is always to call us! We will guide you over the phone to help alleviate pain, save your tooth, and get you into the office as quickly as possible.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and read the instructions on the bottle before taking any medication. If it’s safe for you, you may take a pain reliever like Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin to ease the pain. However, this is not a long term solution. Dental pain is often nerve related, and the only substantial relief will come from treatment a doctor can provide. If you take any medication, make a note of what you took, how much, and when, and let us know when you come in.
Yes. If you need emergency dental care and go to the Emergency Room (ER), they will treat you and bill your health insurance. However, the ER is unlikely to treat a dental problem unless it is a health emergency. They may use temporary measures to relieve pain until you can see a dentist.
If left untreated, a broken tooth can collect bacteria, leading to infection or abscess. It may also cause nerve damage, potentially requiring a root canal.
If the abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease, but you will still need dental treatment. If the abscess doesn’t drain, the infection may spread to the jaw and other areas of the head and neck. This could lead to sepsis, a life threatening infection that spreads throughout the body.
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