Emergency and trauma dentistry focuses on diagnosing and treating dental problems that require prompt attention. These may include severe tooth pain, broken or knocked-out teeth, infections, swelling, injuries to the mouth, or damage to an existing dental restoration.
When a dental emergency occurs, acting quickly can relieve discomfort and may improve our ability to save or restore the affected tooth. Our first priority is to identify the source of the problem, address immediate concerns, and determine the appropriate treatment to restore your oral health.
Not every dental problem requires immediate treatment, but certain symptoms and injuries should be evaluated as soon as possible. If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, contact our office so our team can help determine the appropriate next step.
Seek prompt dental care if you experience:
For severe facial trauma, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
Dental emergencies can range from sudden tooth pain to significant injuries. The appropriate treatment depends on what happened, the condition of the affected tooth, and the surrounding tissues.
Persistent or intense tooth pain can be a sign of decay, infection, inflammation, or damage inside the tooth. Prompt evaluation allows us to identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Teeth can fracture from an injury, biting something hard, or existing structural weakness. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the damage and may range from a restoration to more extensive care.
A tooth that has been knocked out or moved from its normal position requires prompt attention. Contact our office immediately for instructions, as timing can be especially important following this type of injury.
A lost filling, loose crown, broken bridge, or damaged dental appliance can expose or irritate the underlying tooth and interfere with normal function. We can evaluate the restoration and determine whether it can be repaired or needs replacement.
Recovery depends on the type and severity of your dental emergency and the treatment performed. We’ll provide specific, personalized instructions for managing the area, eating comfortably, maintaining oral hygiene, and using any recommended medications following your visit.
Some emergencies can be resolved in a single appointment, while others may require follow-up treatment to fully restore the affected area. Keeping these appointments is important for protecting your oral health and helping prevent the problem from returning.
Contact our office immediately. Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root and avoid scrubbing or removing attached tissue. If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket. If that isn’t possible, keep it moist in an appropriate tooth-preservation solution or milk and seek dental care as quickly as possible.
Severe, persistent, or worsening tooth pain should be evaluated promptly, particularly when accompanied by swelling, fever, sensitivity, or pain when biting. Toothaches can have several causes, and an examination is necessary to determine the source and appropriate treatment.
Contact our office and avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth can be evaluated. If a piece of the tooth has broken off, save it if possible and bring it with you. Treatment will depend on how deeply the tooth is damaged and whether the nerve or root has been affected.
In some cases, yes. The likelihood of successfully saving a knocked-out permanent tooth is generally better when it is handled properly and treated quickly. Contact our office immediately for instructions rather than waiting to see whether the area improves on its own.
