Emergency Dentist Near You

A toothache is the most common cause of oral pain and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. The severity of the pain depends on the underlying cause, which can include cavities, abscesses, infections, trauma, or gum disease. Ignoring mild discomfort can lead to more intense and persistent pain, so it's best to visit a dentist promptly for an assessment.

Common causes of toothaches include cavities, dentin hypersensitivity, dental trauma, infections or abscesses, gum disease, bruxism, wisdom teeth issues, sinus infections, or other medical conditions affecting the jaw. The type of pain—sharp, throbbing, or pressure-related—can help diagnose the cause, such as cavities, abscesses, cracked teeth, or nerve damage.

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and presence of infection. After a thorough evaluation, the dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment to alleviate pain and restore oral health.

After a tooth extraction, some bleeding and discomfort are normal, but it’s important to manage them properly. To control bleeding, gently bite down on a gauze pad or a damp black tea bag for 30-45 minutes. Black tea contains tannins that help constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding. Avoid spitting, sucking, or vigorous rinsing, as these actions can dislodge the clot. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face near the extraction site for 15-20 minutes at a time. For discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, but be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions. If bleeding continues for more than 24 hours, or if you experience severe pain or swelling, contact our office immediately.

Teeth can chip, crack, or fracture from everyday actions like biting ice or chewing on hard objects, or from trauma. Damage can range from minor chips to severe fractures affecting the tooth’s root. Treatment may involve a filling, crown, root canal, or, in extreme cases, extraction.

A lost filling is a dental emergency as it exposes the tooth to pain, infection, and further damage. Seek prompt care to prevent complications. In the meantime, temporarily cover the area with cover-the-counter dental cement, wax, or sugar-free gum. We will replace the filling or recommend further treatment based on the tooth's condition.

If you lose a crown, it's important to take quick action until you contact us. First, carefully retrieve the crown and clean both the crown and your mouth with warm water. If you're unable to reach us immediately, you can temporarily reattach the crown using over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive. Apply the adhesive to the inside of the crown and gently place it back onto the tooth. To avoid further damage, refrain from chewing on the affected side. Be sure to call us as soon as possible to have the crown properly reattached or replaced, as leaving the tooth exposed can lead to sensitivity, decay, or infection.

Dentoalveolar injuries involve trauma to the teeth and surrounding bone, such as dislodged teeth or complete tooth avulsion. Immediate care is needed to reposition and stabilize the teeth and bone. Long-term monitoring is often required to check for nerve damage or other complications.

Dislodged (also known as luxated) teeth occur when a tooth is pushed sideways out of, or into, its socket. We can re-position and stabilize this tooth, but root canal treatment is usually needed if it happens to your permanent teeth and should be performed within a few days after the injury. For children who experience this with their baby teeth, we will monitor the recovery process carefully, intervening the moment unfavorable changes occur.

Before arriving at our office, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek in the affected area to relieve any discomfort. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol or Advil, can also assist you in the meantime.

If you knock out a tooth, act quickly to improve the chances of saving it. Pick it up by the crown, rinse gently with water, and avoid touching the root. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket, or store it in milk or a tooth preservation solution. If neither is available, keep it in your mouth between your cheek and gums or use water. Apply a clean cloth to stop any bleeding and contact us immediately—ideally within 30 minutes—for urgent care. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, including lacerations to the lips, cheeks, or tongue, require prompt care. Gently clean the area with water, apply a cold compress, and seek emergency treatment for puncture wounds or tears.

A dislocated or fractured jaw requires immediate attention to prevent complications with eating or breathing. Treatment depends on the severity; fractures may need immobilization or surgery, while a dislocated jaw may need to be manually repositioned. Recurrent dislocations may require surgical intervention.

Watch for signs in your mouth, such as bleeding, sensitivity, pain, discoloration, a sore, lump, or anything abnormal, as they can be early signs of an oral disease. Inform us when this occurs so we can examine the area for any treatment that may be needed.