Emergency Dentistry
When it comes to a dental emergency, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Getting timely treatment from an experienced dentist can make the difference between keeping and losing your tooth. Our team of experienced dentists is available for same-day, weekend, and after-hours appointments to treat dental emergencies. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call the office that we can accommodate you as soon as possible.
Emergency Dentistry FAQ’s
What is a dental emergency?
If anything in your mouth is bleeding, broken, or severely painful, you should treat it as an emergency.
If you’re concerned, don’t worry about whether your problem is serious enough to be considered an emergency. We would much rather you seek treatment than risk losing a tooth.
Call the office as soon as possible if you have:
- A loose or missing tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A severe toothache
- A lost crown or filling
- An abscess or infection
- Gum or tongue pain
- Objects stuck in your teeth
Your dentist can determine if you need immediate attention and treatment. We offer emergency care on weekends and after hours, and can accommodate same-day appointments.
What should I do in a dental emergency while I’m waiting to see my dentist?
Your dentist tries to see you as soon as possible, but it still helps to know what to do if you have a dental emergency.
At-home care can relieve your pain and increase your chances of saving an endangered tooth. Below are some guidelines for responding to common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Use warm salt water to rinse out your mouth, swishing it around to soothe the tooth area. If you can do so comfortably, floss gently to remove any food particles that may be stuck around the tooth. You may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen.
Knocked-out tooth
Rinse the tooth gently, then try to place it back in the socket, holding it by the crown, not the root. Or you can place the tooth in a cup of milk or water with a pinch of table salt and bring it with you to the office
Cracked tooth
Rinse out your mouth with warm saltwater and apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling.
Dental emergencies aren’t always straightforward. When you call our office with an emergency, a member of the practice team provides instructions for managing the situation until you can see your dentist.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
It’s not always possible to prevent a dental emergency, but you can protect your teeth by:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day
- Calling your dentist as soon as you notice any signs of a problem with your teeth
- Wearing a mouthguard if you play contact sports
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep
- Avoiding habits like biting your nails, opening packages with your teeth and chewing on pens