Need an Emergency Dentist Near You in Fairhaven?
Dental emergencies can happen at the most unexpected times, causing severe pain and anxiety. Whether it’s a throbbing toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken crown, knowing what steps to take and where to seek professional help can make all the difference. At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we specialize in providing prompt, same-day emergency dental care to help relieve your pain and restore your smile.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or prevent further complications. Some dental issues can wait for a scheduled appointment, but others demand urgent care. If you are experiencing any of the following, you should seek immediate help:
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
- Severe Toothaches – Persistent or throbbing pain could indicate an infection, cavity, or an abscess that requires professional intervention.
- Knocked-Out Teeth – If a tooth is knocked out due to trauma, getting emergency care within an hour can significantly increase the chances of saving it.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth – A fractured tooth may expose the nerves, leading to pain and sensitivity. Immediate care is needed to restore function and prevent infection.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns – When a filling or crown falls out, it leaves the tooth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity. Temporary measures can help, but professional restoration is necessary.
- Gum Infections & Abscesses – An untreated gum infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and even the bloodstream, causing serious health risks.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Cuts or wounds inside the mouth, including tongue, cheeks, and gums, need urgent attention to prevent excessive bleeding and infection.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
While seeking professional help is crucial, taking the right immediate steps can minimize pain and prevent further damage. Here’s what you should do in different dental emergencies:
Severe Toothache
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
- Floss gently to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to manage discomfort.
- Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, as it can cause burns.
- If the pain persists, visit an emergency dentist immediately.
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root) and gently rinse it with clean water.
- Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.
- Try to place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it.
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or your own saliva to keep it moist.
- Seek emergency dental care within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- If possible, save any broken fragments and bring them to the dentist.
- Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover any sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheek.
- Schedule an emergency appointment for restoration options.
Lost Filling or Crown
- If a filling falls out, place a small piece of sugar-free gum or over-the-counter dental cement into the cavity.
- If a crown falls off, try to slip it back onto the tooth using dental adhesive or toothpaste as a temporary fix.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth.
- See a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Swollen Gums or Abscess
- Rinse with warm salt water multiple times a day to reduce bacteria.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to alleviate swelling.
- Avoid pressing on the swollen area, as it can spread the infection.
- Seek immediate dental care, as untreated abscesses can lead to severe complications.
How Smiley Dental of Fairhaven Can Help
At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we understand the urgency of dental emergencies. That’s why we offer same-day appointments to ensure you receive the care you need when you need it most. Our experienced team provides comprehensive emergency dental services, including:
- Immediate Pain Relief – We administer numbing agents or pain relief medication to help alleviate severe discomfort.
- Tooth Restoration – Whether it’s a filling, crown, or root canal, we provide prompt restoration to protect and strengthen damaged teeth.
- Emergency Extractions – If a tooth cannot be saved, we perform safe and painless extractions to prevent further complications.
- Gum Infection Treatment – Our team treats infections and abscesses before they spread, using antibiotics and drainage if necessary.
- Soft Tissue Repairs – We handle cuts, wounds, and other injuries inside the mouth to ensure proper healing and prevent infections.
- Follow-Up Care – After emergency treatment, we provide thorough aftercare instructions and schedule follow-ups to monitor healing.
Does Insurance Cover Emergency Dental Visits?
Many dental insurance plans cover emergency treatments, including X-rays, pain management, and necessary procedures like extractions or root canals. However, coverage details may vary depending on your plan. Our office staff can help verify your insurance benefits and provide estimates for treatment costs.
If you don’t have insurance, we offer flexible payment plans and financing options to ensure you receive the care you need without financial stress.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, taking the following precautions can help reduce the risk:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and schedule routine dental check-ups.
- Wear a Mouthguard – If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Foods – Ice, hard candies, and popcorn kernels can cause cracks and fractures.
- Don’t Use Teeth as Tools – Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bottles.
- Address Dental Issues Early – Small cavities, minor cracks, and gum issues can escalate if left untreated. Regular check-ups help catch problems early.
When to Seek Immediate Dental Care
Not all dental issues require emergency treatment, but the following signs indicate the need for urgent care:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain
- Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
- Loose or knocked-out permanent teeth
- Signs of infection (pus, fever, or bad taste in the mouth)
- Trauma causing broken or displaced teeth
Contact Smiley Dental of Fairhaven for Emergency Care
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications and prolonged discomfort. At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we are committed to providing prompt and effective emergency dental care to restore your oral health and peace of mind.
Our team is here to help you get out of pain and back to smiling as soon as possible!📞 Call (508) 967-1000 for Immediate Assistance or Book Online Now!
