Dental emergencies happen when you least expect them; whether you bite into a hard piece of food and chip a tooth, wake up with a throbbing toothache, or notice a crown has suddenly come loose, knowing what to do in the moment can mean the difference between prolonged discomfort and getting back to smiling.
At Shrewsbury Dental Associates, we offer same-day emergency dental care that manages patient pain and prevents further damage with swift, comfortable, and effective care. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most common dental emergencies and what you should do if they happen to you or a loved one.
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. However, acting quickly and following these steps could save your tooth.
· Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
· If it's dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or use soap.
· Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If that’s not possible, place it in milk or a tooth preservation solution (like Save-a-Tooth).
· Get to our office immediately. The best chance of saving the tooth is within the first five to 60 minutes.
Persistent or intense tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Pain can be a sign of a cavity, infection, or abscess. If you're experiencing pain, try these at-home methods to help symptoms before scheduling an appointment.
· Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to cleanse the area.
· Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
· Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth. It can cause burns.
· Contact us for an emergency evaluation.
If your toothache persists or worsens, don't hesitate to call our office at (717) 235-7015 for an emergency visit. Even if the pain subsides, you should still visit us, as an underlying issue could still be present.
A broken or chipped tooth can range from minor cosmetic damage to a painful fracture. Even if you’re not in pain, the exposed area can be vulnerable to infection.
· Rinse your mouth with warm water.
· Save any pieces of the tooth and bring them to your appointment.
· Apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling.
· Contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an emergency dental appointment.
Depending on the severity, we may restore the tooth with bonding, a crown, or veneers so you can get back to loving your smile.
While we hope you never have to deal with a dental emergency, being prepared can help reduce stress if one happens. Here’s what we recommend:
· Keep our office number saved in your phone: (717) 297-0936. We prioritize same-day appointments and recommend calling ahead to ensure the best possible care rather than walking in.
· Have a small dental emergency kit at home or in your car, including gauze, a cold compress, and pain relievers.
· Don’t ignore small issues; early care can prevent emergency situations. Be sure to discuss these with us at your next regularly scheduled cleaning.
At Shrewsbury Dental Associates, we recognize that dental emergencies require prompt action and expert care. That’s why we combine advanced technology with a patient-centered approach to deliver the urgent treatment you need when you need it.
· Same-Day Emergency Appointments. We prioritize urgent cases to provide fast relief on the same day you call.
· Comprehensive Emergency Services. From same-day crowns and tooth extractions to treatment for chipped or infected teeth, we’re equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies.
· Experienced, Compassionate Dentists. Our team has extensive training in restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dental treatments. We deliver results that will help youovercome discomfort and restore the smile you love.
· State-of-the-Art Technology. We use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your condition and deliver precise, effective treatment quickly.
While heading to the emergency room might feel like the right move when you're in pain, most hospitals aren’t equipped to treat dental issues directly. Every year, over 2 million people in the U.S. visit the ER for dental emergencies, when a visit to an emergency dentist would offer faster relief and proper treatment.
We understand how stressful dental emergencies can be, and that's why Shrewsbury Dental Associates offers compassionate, same-day emergency dental care in a calm and supportive environment. Regardless of the dental emergency, our expert team is ready to assist you.
If you’re unsure whether your situation constitutes a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call us at (717) 297-0936. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions, evaluate the next steps, and determine whether a visit to our office is necessary.
