Emergency Dental Services

A dental emergency means that something unexpected and urgent has happened to your teeth or mouth that needs immediate attention. It could be because of pain, the risk of more problems, or the need to keep your mouth healthy. Patients should assess their dental problems before scheduling an appointment as not all oral issues require emergency care. However, the following situations require immediate dental attention:

• Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth causing severe tooth pain requires immediate dental treatment to restore functionality and the patient’s smile.
• Severe gum pain that persists even after taking over-the-counter medication, which could indicate a serious infection or gum disease.
• Tooth abscesses, which cause painful pockets of pus under teeth and can lead to life-threatening infections if left untreated.
• Lost fillings or crowns that create openings susceptible to infection, which need replacement to reduce pain and infection risk.
• Toothaches that signify a problem, which becomes more difficult and expensive the longer the patient waits.
• Cut tongue, lip, or cheek that requires pressure application with sterile gauze and emergency room visit if bleeding doesn’t subside.
• Knocked-out permanent teeth that require recovery, rinsing, and holding by the crown or in a cup of milk or water to preserve it for reinsertion.
• Broken wires and braces that need pushing to a non-bothersome position or cotton swab addition until the provider is available to avoid swallowing the wire.

Eagle Family Smiles, led by Dr. Makani, is a trusted dental practice that offers emergency dental care and various dental services to patients in Chester Springs, PA.

Seeking emergency dental treatment is crucial to alleviate mouth pain caused by dental trauma resulting from accidents or injuries. Early intervention can prevent the problem from escalating into a more complex issue requiring more extensive and invasive treatments. By promptly addressing dental emergencies, patients can significantly enhance their oral health and prevent further damage to their teeth and gums.

Dental emergencies can occur without warning and can be challenging to manage. However, the most effective approach to avoid such incidents is to take preventive measures. This includes scheduling routine checkups every six months and maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding hard foods that can damage teeth. By following these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a dental emergency.

A family dentist in Chester Springs may provide various treatments for dental emergencies, including examining the issue to determine the best course of action, treating infections, extracting infected and broken teeth, performing root canal treatments for infected teeth, and prescribing pain medication or antibiotics to aid in recovery. The specific treatment will depend on the type and severity of the dental emergency.

If a patient experiences any kind of dental trauma, the first step is to call the dentist for instructions. Depending on the type of problem, the dentist may advise different treatment options. For instance, if a patient has a lost filling or crown, they can temporarily cover the opening with a small piece of sugarless gum. Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve mouth pain, but if the trauma is severe, patients may need to pack their mouths with gauze.

Time is of the essence. Try to handle the tooth by the crown (top) rather than the root, gently rinse it with water (without scrubbing), and attempt to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and seek immediate dental care.

Dental insurance coverage varies, but many plans include benefits for emergency dental services. Our knowledgeable team will assist you in understanding your insurance coverage and provide information on financing options and payment plans. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately at (610) 458-5165. Our compassionate team is here to provide expert care and ensure your comfort throughout the process.