Skip to main content

Access Immediate Dental Care During Emergencies

Emergency dentistry focuses on providing immediate care for urgent dental issues that require prompt attention to prevent further damage or alleviate pain. This includes situations such as a knocked-out tooth, severe toothaches, broken or cracked teeth, infections, or damage to dental work like crowns or fillings. Dr. Driscoll and her team are skilled in handling these unexpected events, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment to restore your oral health.

Common Examples of Dental Emergencies:

  • You have a knocked-out tooth
  • You experience severe tooth pain or a toothache
  • You break or crack a tooth
  • You lose a dental crown or filling
  • You have a deep cut or injury to your gums or mouth
  • You experience swelling or an abscess in your mouth
  • You suffer from bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • You have a fractured or dislocated jaw

Your Emergency Dental Treatment May Include…

Tooth Re-Implantation

If your knocked-out tooth is clean, it may be possible to re-implant it into the socket. The dentist carefully places the tooth back into the socket and secures it. This process relies on the tooth’s ability to reattach to the bone, known as “revascularization.” For the best chance of success, the tooth should be re-implanted within an hour of being knocked out.

Pain Management

Pain management is a core component of emergency dental care. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, Dr. Driscoll will use local anesthesia to numb the affected area. In some cases, a prescription for pain relief or antibiotics may be given, especially if an infection is causing the pain. Pain management helps to alleviate discomfort while addressing the underlying issue.

Tooth Bonding or Fillings

When a tooth is cracked or broken, bonding or a filling may be necessary to restore its integrity. Tooth bonding involves applying a durable, tooth-colored resin to the affected area, which is then hardened with a special light. This process fills in cracks, prevents further damage, and restores function. Fillings are used to seal any cavities or damage caused by trauma.

Root Canal Therapy

If a tooth is infected, especially when the pulp (nerve) is involved, root canal therapy may be needed to prevent the need for tooth extraction. During the procedure, Dr. Driscoll removes the infected pulp, cleans the root canal system, and seals it to prevent reinfection. This treatment saves the tooth from extraction and alleviates the pain caused by the infection.

Temporary Crowns or Fillings

In some emergencies, a temporary crown or filling may be placed to protect the tooth until a more permanent solution can be applied. Temporary restorations help shield the exposed tooth from further damage, reduce sensitivity, and allow the dentist to assess the best treatment plan. This can also be helpful if you lose your dental crown or filling.

Antibiotics and Infection Control

If your dental emergency is caused by an infection, Dr. Driscoll may prescribe antibiotics to help manage the infection and prevent it from spreading. Antibiotics work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, allowing your body to fight the infection more effectively. This is particularly important if there is swelling, fever, or pus around the affected area.

Benefits of Emergency Dentistry:

  • Immediate care to alleviate pain and discomfort
  • Prevention of further damage or complications to teeth and gums
  • Preservation of natural teeth whenever possible
  • Restoration of dental function and aesthetics
  • Reduced risk of more serious, long-term oral health issues
  • Convenience with flexible scheduling for urgent care needs

Emergency Dentistry FAQs

What Should I Do if My Tooth is Knocked Out?

If a tooth is knocked out, you must act quickly. Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root, and rinse it gently with water. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth in a cup of milk or between your cheek and gum while you seek dental care. The sooner you see a dentist, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.

How Soon Should I Seek Emergency Dental Care?

If you experience severe pain, bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, or significant damage to a tooth or gums, you should seek emergency dental care immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to worsened outcomes, increased pain, and even tooth loss.

Meet Dr. Julie Driscoll Today

Dr. Julie Driscoll is a highly skilled dentist dedicated to providing compassionate care, especially in emergency situations. With advanced training in both general and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Driscoll offers expert solutions to restore your oral health and alleviate discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache, a broken tooth, or other urgent issues, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Driscoll to get the emergency dental care you need.

Contact Us CALL NOW