
Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly—whether from a sports injury, a fall, or another accident that results in sudden tooth damage. Our emergency dental care is available to address urgent oral health concerns as quickly as possible.
Any situation requiring immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop excessive bleeding, or alleviate intense pain qualifies as a dental emergency. Severe infections or abscesses should be treated right away, as they may lead to serious health complications.
Get in touch with us if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- A persistent toothache making it difficult to eat or sleep.
- A knocked-out tooth.
- Broken or loose braces (if you have an orthodontist, contact them as well).
- Chipped or fractured teeth, especially if the damage is severe.
- A missing filling or crown.
- An abscess or a painful bump along the gum line.
We’re committed to providing urgent dental care when you need it most. If you’re facing a dental emergency, don’t wait—call us right away.
Dental First Aid - What To Do
Dealing with a dental emergency can be stressful, whether it happens to you or someone you care about. Staying calm, administering first aid, and seeking professional dental care as soon as possible are key steps to handling the situation effectively.
Here are some useful first-aid measures for common dental emergencies:
Toothache
To help relieve pain, apply a cold compress to the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may also help, but always follow the dosage instructions and your doctor’s recommendations. Keeping track of the medication, dosage, and time taken can be helpful for your visit, allowing us to provide the most effective care.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Acting quickly is crucial when a tooth gets knocked out! If the tooth is clean, try carefully placing it back in its socket. If reinserting it is painful or difficult, keep the tooth in a cup of milk to help preserve it. Contact us immediately for further guidance. The chances of successfully saving the tooth are highest if you seek treatment within an hour.
Broken Teeth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris. If there is bleeding, gently press a piece of sterile gauze against the area until it stops. To reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold compress. It’s essential to get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can provide pain relief, assist in healing, and restore your tooth. We’re committed to ensuring your dental health and will address your emergency as quickly as we can.
Abscess
A severe infection can develop around the tooth root or between the gums and teeth, potentially spreading if left untreated and leading to serious health risks. Immediate dental care is necessary to prevent complications. In the meantime, rinsing your mouth several times a day with a warm saltwater solution (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) may help ease pain and encourage pus drainage. However, professional treatment is essential to fully address the infection and protect your overall health.
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
Our dental first aid tips can be helpful, but the most important action you can take is to call us immediately! Our team will guide you over the phone with expert advice to help relieve pain, protect your tooth, and ensure you reach our clinic as soon as possible. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way.
Before taking any pain medication, always follow your doctor’s recommendations and the instructions on the packaging. If it’s safe for you, over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin may help provide temporary relief. However, since dental pain often stems from nerve-related issues, long-term relief typically requires professional treatment. Keep track of the medication you take, including the dosage and timing, and share this information with us during your visit.
Yes, visiting the Emergency Room (ER) is an option for urgent dental concerns. The ER can offer temporary pain relief and may bill your health insurance for the visit, but they typically do not provide complete dental treatment unless the issue is also a medical emergency. A follow-up with a dentist will likely be necessary for full care.
Leaving a broken tooth untreated can create an environment for bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of infection or an abscess. Additionally, the exposed nerves may become damaged over time, which could result in the need for a root canal or other advanced dental treatments.
A ruptured abscess may temporarily reduce pain, but this does not mean the infection has cleared. If the infection remains untreated, it can travel to the jaw, as well as other parts of the head and neck, increasing the risk of sepsis—a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Timely dental care is crucial to avoid these dangers, so if you suspect an abscess or experience related symptoms, contact a dentist as soon as possible.
