Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Unexpected dental problems can arise from time to time. Whether you play sports, took a fall on the ice, or experienced another mishap, accidents can lead to immediate tooth damage. We can help you address urgent dental issues promptly with our 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 should be dealt with immediately.
Call us if you have:
- A toothache that prevents you from eating or sleeping
- A knocked-out tooth
- Broken or loose braces (If you see an orthodontist, call them immediately)
- Chipped or broken teeth, especially if the chip is significant, your tooth is cracked, or your tooth is in pieces
- A lost filling or crown
- An abscess or ‘pimple’ on the gumline
If you experience any of these issues, please contact us immediately for guidance and treatment.
Dental First Aid - What To Do
Dental emergencies can be scary and overwhelming, whether they’re happening to you or a loved one. Remain 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 to help alleviate pain. You can take a pain reliever like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), but always follow your doctor’s advice and the instructions on the bottle. Make a note of what medication you took, how much, and the time you took it, so you can inform us when you come in.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Time is of the essence, as we may be able to restore your natural tooth! If a whole tooth has been knocked out and is reasonably clean, quickly and gently reinsert the tooth into its socket. If this is not possible due to pain or uncertainty, save the tooth in a cup of milk. Call us immediately, as 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 there is bleeding, hold a piece of sterile gauze on the area until it stops. You may use a cold compress to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Call us immediately so we can work quickly to relieve your pain, heal your injury, and restore your tooth.
Abscess
Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. They are a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection potentially spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. Because of the serious oral and general health problems that can result from an abscess, see your dentist as soon as possible. To ease pain and draw pus toward the surface 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.
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 be helpful, the best first step is always to give us a call! We can provide guidance over the phone to help alleviate your pain, save your tooth, and get you into our office as quickly as possible.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and read the directions on the medication bottle before taking any pain relievers. If it is safe for you, you may take a pain reliever like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin to alleviate the pain temporarily. However, this is not a permanent or perfect solution. Dental pain is often nerve-related, and substantial relief can only come from treatment provided by a doctor. If you do take medication, write down what you took, the dosage, and the time you took it, 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 not typically equipped to handle dental problems 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, risking infection or abscess. A broken tooth also risks nerve damage and may lead to needing a root canal.
If the abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease significantly but you still need dental treatment. If the abscess doesn’t drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. You might even develop sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body.
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