Emergency Dentistry

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry at Greenhill Family Dental Care involves same-day dental evaluations and treatments when time is of the essence. The skilled dental team provides expert care, restoring your smile to ease pain and avoid serious complications. Call the office at the first sign of a dental emergency.

What constitutes a need for emergency dentistry?

The following may indicate a dental emergency:

• Severe toothache
• Bleeding gums
• Jaw pain
• Tooth discoloration
• Pus in your gumline
• Facial, gum, or jaw swelling
• Missing or damaged crowns or other restorations 
• Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
• Deep cut
• Knocked-out permanent tooth
• Object stuck between your teeth

If you’re unsure if your dental concern is an emergency, contact Greenhill Family Dental Care and speak with a friendly specialist who will happily assist you.

What should I do during a dental emergency?

If you encounter a dental emergency, it’s important to stay calm and call the Greenhill Family Dental Care office. Place ice on the affected area to ease any pain or swelling. You might also take over-the-counter pain relievers. 

If you or a loved one has a knocked-out tooth, keep the tooth moist in saliva or milk and bring it with you to the dental office. Bring a damaged or fallen-out restoration or piece of a broken tooth to your dentist as well. 

Place pressure on any bleeding to stop the flow of blood, and rinse your mouth with mild salt water. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Which emergency dentistry treatments are available?

Your dentist examines your teeth, mouth, and gums. They offer pain relief if you or a loved one has any discomfort. They also discuss your symptoms, review your dental history, and take dental X-rays if necessary.

Depending on the type of dental emergency you encounter, the Greenhill Family Dental Care experts may recommend:

• Tooth extraction
• Root canal
• Filling
• Dental bonding
• Soft tissue repair
• Foreign object removal
• Crown, bridge, implant, or other restoration

They discuss what you can do at home, such as icing the area, taking medications, or keeping a wound clean.

How can I reduce the risk of needing emergency dentistry?

There are several ways to reduce the risk of dental emergencies. Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or at night if you grind your teeth. Lessen your chance of tooth decay by eating nutritious foods (limit sugary treats and sweetened drinks), brushing after meals, and flossing every day.

Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, and hard candy. See the Greenhill Family Dental Care experts every six months for dental cleanings and exams. Consider fluoride treatment and/or dental sealants. 

Schedule an emergency dentistry appointment at Greenhill Family Dental Care by calling the office, booking online, or walking in today.