Emergency Dentistry

When Dental Emergencies Strike, We're Here to Help

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. A sudden, severe toothache can make it impossible to concentrate or sleep. A broken tooth can affect your appearance and comfort. A knocked-out tooth requires immediate action to save it. A lost filling or crown can expose your tooth to damage and pain. When you're facing a dental emergency, you need fast, professional care from someone you can trust. At Lincoln Smiles Dental, we prioritize emergency appointments and work quickly to relieve your pain and restore your smile. Dr. Sepideh Rahmani and our team are ready to help when dental emergencies occur.

Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do

A severe toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies. If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, it's important to see us as quickly as possible. While waiting for your appointment, you can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the pain is located. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for fifteen minutes at a time to numb the area and reduce swelling. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. Call us immediately to describe your symptoms so we can fit you in for an emergency appointment.

A chipped or broken tooth is a common emergency that can happen from trauma, biting down on something hard, or decay weakening the tooth structure. If you break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently clean the area with a soft cloth. If the break is causing sharp edges, cover it with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your mouth from cuts. If a piece of the tooth has broken off, try to find the piece and bring it with you to your appointment; sometimes pieces can be bonded back on. See us as quickly as possible so we can evaluate the break and determine the best restoration method.

A knocked-out tooth (avulsion) is a serious emergency requiring immediate action. The faster you get the tooth back in place, the better the chance of saving it. If your tooth has been knocked out, find it immediately. Rinse it gently with water without scrubbing or touching the roots. Try to reinsert it into its socket immediately, holding it in place by biting down gently on a clean cloth. If you can't reinsert it, place it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist. Do not let it dry out. Call us immediately. If you can get to our office within thirty minutes, we may be able to reattach the tooth. After thirty minutes, the chances of successful reattachment decrease significantly, but we should still see you as soon as possible.

A lost or damaged filling is a common emergency. If your filling falls out, avoid eating or chewing on that side of your mouth. Clean the area gently with a soft toothbrush. You can temporarily fill the hole with sugar-free gum or dental cement obtained from a pharmacy. See us as soon as possible so we can replace the filling. Without a filling, the tooth is vulnerable to decay and damage.

A crown that falls off or becomes loose is another common emergency. If your crown falls off, carefully remove it and try not to damage it. Gently clean the tooth beneath the crown. If you can't reach us immediately, you can temporarily secure the crown using dental cement or even a small amount of denture adhesive. Do not use super glue or other permanent adhesives. Call us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. Leaving your tooth unprotected can lead to rapid decay and damage.

A dental abscess is a serious emergency. An abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Signs of an abscess include a large, painful swelling in your gum or face, fever, and difficulty swallowing. If you suspect an abscess, call us immediately. In the meantime, apply a warm salt water rinse several times per day to help draw out the infection. Take over-the-counter pain medication. Do not squeeze or try to pop the abscess yourself. Antibiotics may be necessary, and the infection must be treated by a dental professional.

Severe bleeding from the mouth can result from trauma, extraction, or other causes. If you're experiencing severe bleeding that won't stop, bite down gently on a clean cloth or gauze for fifteen to twenty minutes. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face. If bleeding continues after twenty minutes, call us immediately or go to an emergency room if we cannot see you right away.

When to Call for an Emergency Appointment

Call us immediately if you're experiencing severe pain that interferes with your ability to function. Severe pain may indicate serious problems like infection or nerve damage that require immediate treatment. Severe facial swelling, particularly if it's affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, is a medical emergency. Get to an emergency room immediately if you cannot reach us. Swelling that makes it difficult to open your mouth wide or move your jaw may indicate a serious problem requiring immediate evaluation.

Knocked-out teeth, especially if you can get to us within thirty minutes, should be treated as emergencies requiring immediate action. Broken teeth should be seen promptly to prevent further damage. Lost or damaged restorations should be replaced quickly to protect the tooth beneath. Severe bleeding that doesn't stop after twenty minutes of pressure needs immediate attention. Any sign of infection, including fever, swelling, or pus, requires prompt treatment.

If you're unsure whether your situation is a true emergency, call us and describe your symptoms. We can help you determine whether you need to come in right away or if your problem can be managed with home care until your next regular appointment. We'd rather you call and find out it's not an emergency than suffer unnecessarily when we could help you.

Same-Day Emergency Appointments

We understand that dental emergencies don't happen during regular business hours. We strive to see emergency patients the same day they call, whenever possible. Our office maintains flexibility in the daily schedule to accommodate emergency appointments. When you call with an emergency, clearly explain your symptoms and how severe the pain is. This helps us determine how quickly we need to see you and whether we need to clear time in our schedule for you.

If we're unable to see you immediately due to our schedule, we'll provide you with guidance on managing your pain and protecting your tooth or teeth until your appointment. We'll also offer you the first available appointment slot. In life-threatening emergencies where you cannot reach us, go to your nearest emergency room.

Treatment Options for Emergency Situations

The treatment for your dental emergency depends on the specific problem. For severe toothaches caused by decay or infection, we may perform a root canal to remove the infected pulp tissue and relieve your pain. If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. For broken teeth, we can restore them with composite bonding, a crown, or other restorations depending on the extent of the damage.

For knocked-out teeth, if we can reattach the tooth, we'll secure it with a splint while the periodontal ligament heals. For lost or damaged fillings and crowns, we'll replace them as quickly as possible to protect your tooth. For dental abscesses, we'll treat the infection, which may require drainage and antibiotics. We'll discuss all treatment options with you and help you understand the pros and cons of different approaches.

Some emergency treatments are temporary measures to relieve pain and stop further damage until more permanent restoration can be done. We'll explain whether your treatment is temporary or permanent and discuss the next steps in restoring your tooth or teeth.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented with good oral care and smart choices. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once per day. Decay and gum disease are the underlying causes of many emergencies. Regular dental checkups allow us to catch and treat problems before they become emergencies.

Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels that can crack your teeth. Don't use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom nightguard to protect your teeth. If you participate in contact sports, wear a custom mouthguard to prevent trauma. Avoid tobacco products and excessive alcohol, which increase your risk for gum disease and oral cancer.

Be mindful of accidents and trauma that could damage your teeth. Secure your seatbelt while driving, and ensure children are properly restrained in cars. Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep your teeth and bones strong. Managing stress through exercise and relaxation techniques helps reduce grinding and clenching. By taking these preventive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a dental emergency.

Why Choose Lincoln Smiles Dental for Your Emergency Care

When you're in pain, you need a dentist you can trust to provide fast, professional care. Dr. Sepideh Rahmani brings extensive experience in emergency dentistry and is skilled at diagnosing and treating urgent dental problems. Our office is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technology to address your emergency as quickly and effectively as possible.

We understand that dental emergencies are stressful, and we approach every emergency patient with compassion and urgency. We'll explain what's happening, answer your questions, and discuss your treatment options. We'll work to relieve your pain and save your tooth when possible. When you need emergency dental care, Dr. Rahmani and our team are here for you. Call us immediately when you experience a dental emergency.