Call Wayne Family Dentistry for emergency dental care in Wayne, PA at 610-347-5133. Because emergency dentistry is a part of general dental care, it can halt the development of future dental problems. Contacting our office in the event of a dental emergency can immediately prevent complications with dental infections and tooth loss.
If you have sustained dental injuries after a medical emergency, please visit the hospital before our dental office. Patient safety is at the forefront of our concerns. We can provide cosmetic, restorative, or general dental care after you receive medical care.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is usually a serious problem with your teeth or gums. If you suffer from a serious issue with your teeth or gums, you need attention from a dentist immediately. Some common dental emergencies include a cracked or broken tooth, a tooth that gets hit or knocked out, or a very painful toothache.
Severe swelling in the gums or face can also require emergency dental care. If you are bleeding a lot from your mouth, that is also a dental emergency. These issues can cause a lot of pain and worsen if you don’t see your dentist quickly. Act quickly in these cases to prevent further damage and help save your teeth.
Emergency Dental Problems
Determining if you are having a dental emergency can be hard sometimes. When in doubt, please call Wayne Family Dentistry to discuss your issues with one of our helpful dental staff members. Below, you will learn what to do in a sudden dental emergency. You should know what to do at home and when to call during a dental emergency. Some of the most common dental emergencies that our office treats include:
Toothaches
There are many common causes of tooth pain and sensitivity. Anything from dental injuries to tooth decay can create this dental problem. Take pain medication and call our office for an appointment.
Let us know if you have any other symptoms accompanying your pain, as well as the areas of your smile that are affected. That way, we can find the source of your tooth pain and find the right treatment.
Lost Permanent Tooth
If you have just lost one of your permanent teeth, hold it by its crown. You can transport the tooth, if it is found, to our office. Place it in a cup of cold milk to keep it moist. We may be able to reattach the tooth if it is brought to our office in time.
Gently press a clean cloth to your tooth socket to stave off bleeding. If we cannot reattach your lost tooth, we can provide you with a dental implant. Implants act just like natural teeth and easily blend in with the smile.
Broken Restorations
Have you just broken a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture? Contact our dental office for treatment. Do not attempt to place your restoration back in your mouth, as this can damage your teeth and gums. If possible, bring the restoration to our office. We can replace the restoration if it cannot be reattached.
Excessive Bleeding
It is common for patients to experience bleeding after tooth extraction treatments. However, it is abnormal for patients to experience continual bleeding several days after their procedures. Contact us if a blood clot has not formed at the tooth socket after two days. We will find the cause of excessive bleeding.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
The best way to remove an object from between teeth is to floss gently. Do not try to use any other methods to dislodge the object as this can damage your teeth or gums. In our office, we can use special dental tools to remove the object and keep your smile intact.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a painful and severe infection that occurs inside the teeth or gums. It happens when bacteria invade the tooth or gum tissue. This bacteria will form pockets of pus, typically near the end of the tooth root. Dental abscesses can be caused by many things, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury to the mouth.
The symptoms of a dental abscess include a severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling in the gums or face, and sometimes a visible pimple-like bump on the gum. If you suspect you have a dental abscess, contact your dentist right away. Do not try to drain the abscess on your own. Doing so may cause the infection to spread.
Dental abscesses can be painful and potentially dangerous if left untreated. Seeking dental care right away is essential to alleviate pain, eliminate the infection, and restore your oral health.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
If you break or chip a tooth, we suggest rinsing your mouth gently with warm water to keep it clean. If there is any bleeding, press a piece of clean cloth or gauze on the spot until it stops. If swelling is present, apply a cold cloth or ice pack on your cheek to help with swelling.
Please get in touch with us to schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Until your appointment, avoid biting down on hard foods and stick to soft foods. Once the dentist assesses the damage, you will receive a custom treatment plan to repair your teeth.
Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies
While you cannot always prevent dental emergencies, there are certain measures you can take to lower your risk of a dental emergency. Wayne Family Dentistry offers the following tips to keep your smile safe and healthy:
- Wearing a custom mouthguard if you play sports is the best way to prevent injuries. This simple dental device can lower your risk of your teeth being knocked out or your gums being injured. Custom mouthguards cushion any blows to the face, keeping your teeth and gums safe while you play.
- At night, we suggest wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Teeth grinding occurs while sleeping but can lead to severe damage to your teeth. Wearing a nightguard will stop your teeth from grinding against each other.
- Regular checkups with your Wayne Family Dentistry dentist are also key. Your dentist can spot small problems before they turn into big ones. Schedule regular checkups at least twice a year. These visits help ensure everything is in good shape and can catch any issues early on.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools. Never use your teeth to open bags or chew your fingernails. Try to avoid chewing on hard items such as ice or hard candy. These may seem like harmless acts, but they can often lead to tooth damage.
Following these simple suggestions can help prevent dental emergencies and keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
A dental emergency can happen to anyone. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency includes conditions like a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, dental abscess, cracked or broken teeth, or bleeding that won’t stop. Injuries to the mouth’s soft tissues, like the gums, tongue, or cheeks, can also require emergency care. If you’re in extreme pain or unable to eat, sleep, or function because of the dental issue, it’s considered an emergency. When in doubt, it’s best to contact a dentist for guidance.
How do I know if my toothache is an emergency?
A mild toothache may not require emergency care, but if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus, it could be a sign of an infection. An abscessed tooth can spread infection to other body parts and needs prompt treatment. If the pain interferes with your ability to eat or sleep, it’s best to call us right away. Early intervention can save your tooth and protect your health.
Is it okay to go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Hospital emergency rooms can treat symptoms like pain or infection, but they typically don’t provide dental-specific treatment like fillings or extractions. In true emergencies involving trauma, swelling that affects breathing, or severe infection, you may need to visit the ER first. However, follow up with a dentist as soon as possible for appropriate care. For most dental emergencies, contacting an emergency dentist directly is the better option.
Does insurance cover emergency dental visits?
Many dental insurance plans cover emergency visits, though coverage varies based on the specific policy and the type of treatment required. Procedures like extractions or fillings may have a copay or deductible. Some offices offer payment plans or financing options if you don’t have insurance. Always ask for an estimate and insurance breakdown before treatment when possible.
Can a dental abscess be life-threatening?
A dental abscess is a serious infection that can become life-threatening if left untreated. The infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or brain, leading to sepsis or other complications. Common signs include swelling, fever, severe pain, and a bad taste in the mouth. Emergency treatment is critical to drain the infection and preserve your health.
What if my crown or bridge feels loose but hasn’t fallen off?
If your crown or bridge feels loose, avoid chewing on that side and contact your dentist for an appointment. Loose restorations can let bacteria in and increase the risk of decay or damage to the underlying tooth. In the meantime, keep the area clean and avoid sticky or hard foods. Early attention can prevent complete dislodgement and the need for more complex repair.
Contact Our Dental Office Today
Do you require immediate dental care in Wayne, PA? Call Wayne Family Dentistry at 610-347-5133. Schedule a dental consultation with us if you do not require emergency care. We will be happy to help you find a good time to visit our office.