Signs You Need Emergency Dentistry
Unexpected dental problems can happen at any time. Whether you play sports, took a fall on the ice, or had some other mishap, accidents can lead to sudden tooth damage. We can help you address the most urgent dental issues quickly with emergency dentistry services.
Any dental problem requiring immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop ongoing bleeding, or relieve severe pain is considered a dental emergency. A serious infection or abscess in the mouth can be life-threatening and needs to be treated right away.
Call us if you have:
- A toothache preventing you from eating or sleeping.
- A knocked-out tooth.
- Broken or loose braces. If you see an orthodontist, call them right away.
- Chipped or broken teeth, especially if the chip is significant or your tooth is cracked or in pieces.
- A lost filling or crown.
- An abscess or “pimple” on the gumline.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can feel scary and overwhelming, whether it’s happening to you or someone you love. Try to stay calm, apply basic first aid, and arrange to see a dentist as soon as possible. Here are some practical tips for handling common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the affected area. A pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may help take the edge off your toothache. Always follow your doctor’s advice and read the label before taking any medication. Jot down what medication you took, how much and when, so you can let us know when you come in.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time matters here, we may still be able to save your natural tooth. If a whole tooth has been knocked out and is reasonably clean, gently reinsert it into its socket right away. If you’re unsure or it hurts too much, place the tooth in a cup of milk instead and call us immediately. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if treated within the hour.
Broken Teeth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away smaller fragments. If you’re bleeding, hold a piece of sterile gauze on the area until it stops. A cold compress can help ease pain and swelling. Call us right away. We’ll work quickly to relieve your pain, treat the injury and restore your tooth.
Abscess
An abscess is an infection that forms around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and nearby teeth, with the infection potentially spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. Because of the serious oral health and overall health risks involved, see your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinsing your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day can help ease the pain and draw the infection 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
You’ll find dental first aid tips above, but the best first step is always to give us a call. We’ll guide you over the phone to help ease your pain, save your tooth and get you in as quickly as possible.
Yes, chronic grinding or clenching can chip, crack or loosen teeth over time, and a sudden break from grinding should be treated the same as any other dental emergency.
Yes. If you need emergency dental care and head to the Emergency Room (ER), they’ll treat you and bill your health insurance afterward. The ER usually can’t treat a dental problem unless it’s also a medical emergency, though they may offer temporary relief until you’re able to see a dentist.
If left untreated, a broken tooth can trap bacteria, raising your risk of infection or abscess. A broken tooth can also lead to nerve damage and may eventually require a root canal.
If the abscess ruptures, your pain may ease significantly, but you’ll still need dental treatment. If it doesn’t drain properly, the infection can spread to your jaw and other areas of your head and neck. In severe cases, this can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout the body.
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