Do you need emergency dental care?
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention to save a tooth, stop uncontrolled bleeding, or relieve severe pain. A serious infection or abscess in the mouth can become life-threatening if left untreated and should never be ignored.
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Dr. Josh Neubauer and the team are here to help you through unexpected dental situations as quickly as possible. Call the office right away if you are experiencing any of the following:
- A toothache severe enough to prevent you from eating or sleeping.
- A tooth that has been knocked out completely.
- A significantly chipped, cracked, or broken tooth.
- A lost composite filling or dental crown.
- An abscess or pimple-like swelling on the gumline.
- Broken or loose braces (contact your orthodontist directly for this).
Dental first aid: what to do while you wait
Dental emergencies can be frightening, but staying calm and taking the right steps before your appointment can make a meaningful difference. Here is what to do for the most common situations:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help take the edge off while you wait. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and the advice of your doctor. Make a note of what you have taken, how much, and when, so the team can factor that in when you arrive.
Knocked-out tooth
Time is critical. If the tooth is intact and reasonably clean, gently reinsert it into the socket without touching the root and hold it in place. If that is not possible, store the tooth in a cup of milk and call the office immediately. The sooner you are seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Broken tooth
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear any small fragments. If there is bleeding, apply a piece of sterile gauze to the area and hold it in place until the bleeding slows. A cold compress applied to the outside of the face can help reduce swelling. Call the office right away.
Abscess
An abscess is an infection that develops around the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. It can cause serious damage to surrounding tissue and, if left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the mouth. Do not wait to seek care. In the meantime, rinsing with a mild saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of table salt dissolved in eight ounces of water) several times a day may help draw the infection toward the surface and temporarily ease discomfort.
Schedule your exam and consultation
Your visit begins with a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and bite. We want to understand the full picture of your oral health before recommending any course of treatment.
Before moving forward, we take the time to learn about your health history, any concerns you may have, and what you’re hoping to achieve. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way. Contact us today to book your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any dental problem that cannot wait for a routine appointment is a dental emergency. This includes severe or worsening tooth pain, a knocked-out or broken tooth, a lost dental crown or composite filling that is causing pain or sensitivity, visible swelling in the mouth or jaw, or an abscess. When in doubt, call the office and describe your symptoms so the team can advise on how urgently you need to be seen.
If you knock out a tooth and cannot reach your dental office, try to reinsert the tooth gently into the socket or keep it stored in milk. Seek care as soon as possible, as the window for saving a knocked-out tooth is narrow. If swelling is severe or you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
It depends on the level of discomfort. A lost composite filling or dental crown can leave the underlying tooth exposed and sensitive. If the tooth is painful, sharp-edged, or causing significant sensitivity, it should be treated promptly. In the meantime, over-the-counter dental cement available at most pharmacies can be used as a temporary measure until you are seen.
A dental abscess is a serious infection that can become dangerous if it spreads to the jaw, neck, or other areas of the body. Symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, swelling that extends beyond the mouth, or difficulty breathing alongside dental pain require immediate medical attention. If you cannot reach your dentist, go to the emergency room.
Ideally within 30 to 60 minutes. The sooner a knocked-out tooth is repositioned and stabilized, the greater the likelihood that it can be saved. Calling the office immediately gives the team time to prepare for your arrival and increases the chances of a successful outcome.
Emergency appointments may carry a different fee structure than routine visits depending on the time, complexity, and resources required. It is always worth calling ahead so the team can advise you on what to expect. If you have dental insurance, dental emergencies are often at least partially covered depending on your plan.
Wearing a custom sports guard during physical activity, attending regular teeth cleanings and exams, addressing cavities and cracked teeth early, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or using your teeth to open packaging all reduce the likelihood of a dental emergency. Many urgent situations stem from untreated problems that could have been caught sooner during a routine visit.
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