Emergency Dentistry: Why Quick Treatment Is Crucial

A dental emergency can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere, even if you take good care of your teeth. It could be a severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken filling, and it can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate treatment when you experience a dental emergency. 

Why Is Immediate Treatment Crucial?

Dental emergencies can worsen in a short period if not treated promptly. A minor issue could rapidly escalate into a severe problem, leading to unbearable pain and potential infections. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend seeking immediate treatment for any dental emergency to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

Some common dental emergencies that require immediate attention include:

1. Toothache: A severe or persistent toothache can be a sign of an infection or other underlying issue that requires treatment. It’s important to seek emergency dental care if your child experiences a toothache that lasts longer than a day.

2. Broken or chipped tooth: A broken or chipped tooth can be painful and may even expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. If your child breaks or chips a tooth, it’s essential to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.

3. Knocked-out tooth: If your tooth gets knocked out, it’s important to act quickly. Try to locate the tooth, and rinse it gently with water (without scrubbing or removing any tissue fragments). Place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva, and bring it with you to the emergency dentist.

What to Expect During Emergency Dental Treatment?

When you visit us for emergency dental treatment, we will first ask you to describe the issue you are experiencing. Based on your symptoms, we may need to take an X-ray to determine the root cause of the problem. Once we have diagnosed the issue, we will begin treatment to relieve your pain and prevent further damage.

During emergency treatment, we may administer antibiotics if there is an active infection. We understand the importance of providing quick and efficient care during dental emergencies and will do everything we can to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

In need of an emergency appointment?

At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we have a team of experienced dentists and staff who are trained to handle dental emergencies with care and efficiency. We offer same-day emergency appointments to provide prompt treatment and alleviate your child’s pain and discomfort.
We are here to provide comprehensive emergency dental care to patients of all ages. If you experience a dental emergency, please contact our office right away, and our friendly staff will help you get the care you need.

How Do I Help with Tooth Pain?

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If you think you may have a dental emergency it is important to know what to do to ensure your issue is addressed as soon as possible. Our office provides same day or next day appointments to accommodate our patients that need immediate treatment.
One of the most common dental emergencies that patients experience is tooth pain. There are tips you can try at home if the tooth pain does not go away while you wait for an appointment in our office. Pain is a way of our body sending a message that something is wrong. Typically, if patients experience pain this means there is a problem that must be addressed.

There are many causes for tooth pain such as tooth decay, issues with a filling, tooth fracture, or infection. If you have any of the below signs you may have an infection, and you must be seen right away.

• Fever
• Swollen or red gums
• Blood or pus around tooth
• Throbbing pain that does not go away
• Swollen or tender face or jaw

What Can I Do at Home to Relieve Tooth Pain?

There are remedies patients can use at home to help treat tooth pain while they wait to be seen in our office. These remedies can help reduce pain and keep you comfortable.

• Take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.
• Use a pain relief gel on the area.
• Apply a cold compress covered with a cloth to the area to help reduce inflammation for 20 minutes each time.
• If you have a hot compress this can also be used on the area to help relieve pain.
• Peppermint tea bags can be used on the area and are known to help ease oral pain.
• Clove oil can be used on the area and is known to help reduce inflammation or numb oral pain.

Looking to Make an Appointment to Address Tooth Pain?

If you have tooth pain that does not go away we recommend making an appointment to be seen in our office. Our staff will provide a thorough exam to help identify the cause and address your tooth pain. X-rays may be taken to get a closer look at the issue. We will recommend treatment options, and always address serious issues immediately.

Patients can prevent tooth pain by practicing good oral hygiene habits at home. Brushing and flossing each day is important as well as eating a healthy diet, and avoiding high sugar foods or drinks. We also recommend to avoid hard food items that may cause a crack or injury to your teeth. Regular dental cleanings and exams in our office can help keep your mouth and teeth feeling great.

If you have tooth pain and would like to make an appointment, please call our office and our staff will make sure you are seen as soon as possible!