Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly. A broken tooth, severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, or dental injury can leave you unsure about what to do next.
Knowing when to seek dental care can help protect your teeth and prevent a problem from becoming more serious. Pearl Dental Group provides dental care for patients in Hilliard and surrounding communities, including Upper Arlington and Dublin. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, our team can help determine the appropriate next step.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is generally an injury or dental problem that requires prompt attention to relieve significant pain, prevent further damage, or protect your oral health.
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- A knocked-out permanent tooth
- A broken or severely cracked tooth
- A dental abscess or significant swelling
- A tooth that has been loosened or displaced by an injury
- Significant bleeding involving the mouth or gums
- A lost filling or crown accompanied by pain or significant tooth damage
If you’re unsure whether your situation requires urgent dental care, it’s better to contact a dental professional for guidance.
What Should I Do If I Have a Severe Toothache?
A severe or persistent toothache can have several possible causes, including tooth decay, infection, a damaged tooth, or an issue involving the gums.
If you’re experiencing significant dental pain, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Until you’re able to receive care:
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Continue brushing and flossing gently around the affected area.
- Avoid foods and drinks that make the pain worse.
- Do not place aspirin directly against your tooth or gums.
- Follow appropriate over-the-counter pain medication instructions if you are able to take those medications safely.
A severe toothache shouldn’t be ignored, especially if it is accompanied by swelling, fever, or other signs of infection.
What Should I Do If I Break or Crack a Tooth?
A broken or cracked tooth can result from an accident, biting down on something hard, or untreated tooth damage.
If you break a tooth, save any pieces you can and contact your dentist. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and avoid chewing on the affected side.
If the tooth has a sharp edge, be careful to avoid cutting your tongue or cheek. A dentist can evaluate the damage and determine whether the tooth can be repaired with a filling, bonding, crown, or another treatment.
What Should I Do If a Permanent Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention. If possible, gently pick up the tooth by the crown—the part you normally see in your mouth—and avoid touching the root.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing it. If you’re able to do so safely, try to place the tooth back into its socket. If that isn’t possible, keep it moist in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution and seek dental care immediately.
Do not delay. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being successfully treated when care is received as quickly as possible.
Baby teeth should not be placed back into the socket. Contact a dental professional for guidance if a child’s primary tooth is knocked out.
What Should I Do If My Filling or Crown Falls Out?
A lost filling or crown isn’t always an emergency, but prompt dental attention can help prevent additional damage to the tooth.
If a crown comes off, keep it in a safe place and bring it with you to your appointment. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, particularly if the exposed tooth is sensitive.
If you experience significant pain, swelling, or additional damage, contact your dentist promptly.
What If My Tooth Is Loose After an Injury?
A permanent tooth that becomes loose after an accident or injury should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
Avoid touching or repeatedly moving the tooth with your tongue or fingers. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing with the affected tooth until you’ve been evaluated.
Prompt treatment may help protect the tooth and surrounding tissues.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room Instead of the Dentist?
Some dental problems require immediate medical attention rather than a routine dental appointment.
Go to an emergency room or call 911 if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe swelling that is affecting your airway
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- A serious injury to the face or jaw
- Loss of consciousness or other symptoms associated with a significant head injury
For a dental problem that does not involve these serious symptoms, contacting your dentist is generally the appropriate first step.
How Can Pearl Dental Group Help With Dental Emergencies?
Pearl Dental Group provides dental care for patients throughout Hilliard and nearby communities. If you’re experiencing a dental problem that needs prompt attention, contact our office at 614-850-0446 so our team can help determine the appropriate next step.
Our practice provides comprehensive dental services, allowing our team to evaluate dental problems and discuss treatment options based on your individual needs.
Whether you have a damaged tooth, lost filling, severe tooth pain, or another urgent dental concern, we’re here to help you get the care you need.
Why Choose Pearl Dental Group for Emergency Dental Care in Hilliard?
Pearl Dental Group has roots in the Hilliard community dating back to 1923. Today, our locally owned practice combines modern dental technology with personalized, patient-focused care.
Our team provides comprehensive dental services for children, adults, and seniors in a welcoming environment. With extended weekday hours and select Saturday appointments, we offer scheduling options designed to accommodate busy families.
Patients from Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Dublin, and surrounding Central Ohio communities can conveniently access dental care at our Hilliard office.
Schedule Emergency Dental Care in Hilliard
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call Pearl Dental Group at 614-850-0446 to discuss your symptoms and determine the appropriate next step.
Request an appointment with Pearl Dental Group or contact our office for assistance.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I have a dental emergency after hours?
A: Call Pearl Dental Group at 614-850-0446 for instructions. Our team can help determine the appropriate next step based on your situation.
Q: Is a severe toothache considered a dental emergency?
A: Severe or persistent tooth pain can require prompt dental attention, particularly when accompanied by swelling, fever, or other symptoms. Contact your dentist to discuss your symptoms and determine how quickly you should be seen.
Q: What should I do if I knock out a permanent tooth?
A: Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root, gently rinse it if necessary, and try to keep it moist while seeking dental care immediately. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket. Do not attempt to replace a knocked-out baby tooth.
Q: Is a broken tooth a dental emergency?
A: A broken or severely cracked tooth should be evaluated promptly. Save any pieces of the tooth, rinse your mouth gently with water, and avoid chewing on the affected side until you can receive dental care.
Q: Can Pearl Dental Group treat dental emergencies near Upper Arlington and Dublin?
A: Yes. Pearl Dental Group’s Hilliard office provides dental care for patients from Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Dublin, and surrounding Central Ohio communities.
Q: When should I go to the emergency room for a dental problem?
A: Seek emergency medical care for symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe facial swelling affecting your airway, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious facial or head injury. For other urgent dental concerns, contact your dentist.
