Emergency Dental Care: What to Do When You Need Urgent Treatment

Dental emergencies can happen anytime, causing pain, discomfort, and even long-term damage if not treated promptly. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken restoration, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. At Clove Family Dental, we provide same-day emergency dental care to relieve pain and restore your oral health as quickly as possible.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Some dental issues can wait for a scheduled appointment, while others require immediate care to prevent complications. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may need emergency dental treatment:

• Severe toothache that won’t go away
• Knocked-out tooth due to trauma or injury
• Broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
• Loose or dislodged tooth
• Swelling or abscess in the gums or jaw
• Lost filling or crown exposing the tooth
• Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth
• Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts or lacerations to the gums, lips, or tongue

If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it's best to call our office for guidance.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Taking quick action can help minimize damage and increase the chances of saving your tooth. Here’s what you should do in different emergency situations before you reach the dentist:

For a Knocked-Out Tooth:

• Handle the tooth by the crown (top) and avoid touching the root.
• Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue.
• Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or saliva to keep it moist.
• See a dentist within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

For a Severe Toothache:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss gently to remove any debris.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief, but do not place aspirin directly on the gum.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or cold if sensitivity is present.
• Schedule an emergency visit to diagnose the cause.

For a Broken or Chipped Tooth:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side until treated.

For a Swelling or Abscess:

• Rinse with warm salt water several times a day.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Seek emergency care immediately, as an abscess can indicate a serious infection that may spread.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care at Clove Family Dental

At Clove Family Dental, we know that dental emergencies can’t wait. That’s why we offer same-day emergency appointments to provide fast relief and expert care. Whether you need a tooth repaired, pain relief, or infection treatment, our skilled team is here to help.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of dental emergencies:

• Visit the dentist regularly for checkups to catch problems early.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy.
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent decay and infections.

Need Emergency Dental Care? Call Clove Family Dental Now!

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait—call Clove Family Dental right away. Our team is ready to provide the care you need to relieve pain and restore your smile.

Contact us today to schedule an emergency appointment!