Dental emergencies can happen suddenly and cause severe pain and anxiety. At Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Greensboro, NC, our caring team are ready to provide prompt, effective emergency dental care when you need it most.
We understand that dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular office hours. That’s why we offer emergency dental services to our patients of record. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, have a broken tooth, or any other dental emergency, contact our office right away at (336) 502-0142. We’ll do everything possible to see you as soon as we can to relieve your pain and address your dental emergency.
What Are Common Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies require immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Here are some common dental emergencies we treat at our Greensboro office:
- Severe Toothache: Sudden, intense tooth pain can indicate infection, deep decay, or an abscess that needs immediate treatment.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: When a permanent tooth gets knocked out, quick action can sometimes save the tooth.
- Broken or Cracked Tooth: A significant break or crack in your tooth, especially if it’s causing pain, requires prompt attention.
- Lost or Broken Dental Restoration: If a crown, filling, or bridge breaks or falls out, it leaves your tooth vulnerable to further damage.
- Dental Abscess: An infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and tooth can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, tears, or wounds to your gums, lips, or inside of your mouth may need immediate care.
- Object Stuck Between Teeth: Something lodged between teeth that can’t be removed with floss can cause pain and lead to infection.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies require quick thinking and proper care before you can reach our office. Taking the right steps immediately after a dental emergency occurs can make a significant difference in the outcome of your treatment. While our team works to see you as quickly as possible, these temporary measures can help manage pain, prevent further damage, and even save a tooth. Here’s what you should do for specific dental emergencies while waiting to see the dentist:
For a Knocked-Out Tooth
Handle the tooth by the crown (top part), not the root. Gently rinse it with water if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub or remove any attached tissue. Try to place the tooth back in its socket if possible. If you can’t reinsert it, place the tooth in a small container of milk or saliva. Call our office immediately – time is critical for saving a knocked-out tooth.
For a Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to remove any food trapped between teeth. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, but never place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth. Apply a cold compress to your cheek if there’s swelling. Call our office for an emergency appointment.
For a Broken or Cracked Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken piece, bring it with you to your appointment. Call our office right away.
For Lost Fillings or Crowns
Keep the restoration if you have it. If possible, coat the affected tooth with dental cement (available at drugstores) for temporary protection. Never use household glue to try to reattach a crown. Contact our office for an appointment.
The Importance of Seeking Emergency Dental Treatment
Dental emergencies should never be ignored. Prompt treatment is essential for several important reasons:
- Preventing Tooth Loss: Quick action can often save a damaged or knocked-out tooth.
Stopping Infection: Dental infections can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. - Relieving Pain: Emergency dental care provides fast relief from the severe pain that often accompanies dental emergencies.
- Reducing Complications: Early treatment often means simpler, less invasive procedures and better outcomes.
- Saving Money: Addressing a dental emergency promptly can prevent more extensive and expensive treatments later.
At Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists have extensive experience treating dental emergencies with compassion and skill. We use the latest techniques and technology to address your emergency quickly and effectively, helping you return to comfort and health as soon as possible.
What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Visit
When you arrive for your emergency dental appointment, our team will assess your condition immediately and focus on relieving your pain. We’ll take necessary X-rays to determine the extent of the problem, discuss treatment options with you, provide the appropriate emergency treatment, and schedule any needed follow-up care. Your dentist will explain each step of the process and answer any questions you have. Our goal is to make you comfortable while providing the highest quality emergency dental care.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait – contact Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry right away at (336) 502-0142. For non-emergency appointments, you can call our Greensboro office at (336) 502-0142, or use our online request appointment form on our website. Our office is conveniently located in Greensboro, NC, and we welcome patients from throughout the surrounding communities.
Remember, prompt attention to dental emergencies can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Our entire team is committed to providing the emergency dental care you need, when you need it most.