BeDford, NH

Dental Emergencies

Are you experiencing painful dental issues? Have you suffered oral trauma? No need to worry, Birch Family Dentistry is here to help! Our experienced team members will provide you with high-quality emergency dental care that will give you peace of mind during anxious times for your oral health.

Dental emergencies can be frightening and are often painful. Prompt treatment is generally required to alleviate pain and ensure the patient’s oral and overall health. If you are dealing with a dental emergency, call us immediately at 603-471-6000, and we will schedule you as soon as possible. Should you call after hours, our answering service will get in touch with us.

Types of Dental Emergencies

So, what constitutes a dental emergency? We handle a wide range of emergency dental issues, which may include:

Toothaches

Severe pain is a sign that something is amiss. The longer you wait, the more difficult (and expensive) the solution. Rinsing out your mouth with warm saltwater will hopefully dislodge any trapped food between your teeth. If you are experiencing facial swelling, use a cold compress and acetaminophen for temporary relief.

Cut Tongue, Lip or Cheek

For bleeding, apply pressure with sterile gauze to reduce the chances of infection and complication. Use your better judgment as well; if the cut looks significant, and bleeding does not seem to be subsiding, contact an emergency room.

Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth

Not sure what to do for a broken tooth? Start by rinsing the area with warm water. Place a cold compress over the site of the injury. If you can, recover any broken tooth fragments. If possible, save the tooth fragment and rinse both your mouth and the salvaged tooth pieces with warm water.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth and hold it by the crown (top), not the root. Rinse, but do not over-clean or over-handle. Put and hold the tooth in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If reinsertion is impossible, carry the tooth in a cup of milk or water. Stopping the bleeding is most important. Don’t remove any attached tissue, they help re-secure the tooth!

Cold, Canker Sores, and Abscesses

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen can provide temporary relief as well. Use only as directed. An abscess is a serious infection that typically occurs in the gumline around the teeth. If left alone, infections might spread to the body. Visit your emergency provider as soon as possible if you discover pain or swelling in the gums.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

How long should I wait with a toothache until I see a dentist?

According to the ADA (American Dental Association), patients should see their dentist on the same day that their toothache begins. Although some toothaches may subside, or the pain may be tolerable, every toothache should be examined to rule out further infections or complications. Never wait to get the help you need with discomfort in your mouth. Contact your dentist if you are experiencing pain so you can get evaluated in a timely manner. Most dentists leave emergency slots open so you don’t have to delay getting the care you need.

What is considered a dental emergency?

If your pain has not gotten better, has gotten worse, you are unable to talk or eat, swelling of the face, neck, jaw, or eyes, bleeding, or other serious concerns related to your tooth pain, your toothache needs immediate attention. Contact your dentist and see if you can be seen for an emergency dental appointment, and if not, consider going to the emergency room to get looked at by a medical professional. Some toothaches may require antibiotics or certain medications to help with pain if unbearable. Seeing a dentist or medical professional as soon as possible will allow you to get the attention your mouth needs before worse dental or medical problems can occur.

Why should I act fast when I have a toothache?

Acting fast will allow you to get the help you need to alleviate pain and possibly save the tooth. This will also prevent the dental pain and problem from multiplying and causing an infection, crack, or spread to other teeth. It also allows you to protect any dental appliances that may be in your mouth. These include braces, bridges, dentures, etc.

What are the treatments for a dental emergency?

Most dental emergencies may require an antibiotic to calm any infection in the mouth. A root canal treatment, extraction or dental filling may be required. The sooner you get dental care, the less risk of further damage or dental procedures that may be needed

How can I find an emergency dentist?

Most dentists are able to see toothaches and other dental emergencies in their office. Some may refer you to a specialist for root canals, oral surgery, or other specialized dental care you may need. Most general dentists are able to write out prescriptions to give you an antibiotic to calm down any infection in the mouth. If your local or neighboring town does not have an emergency dentist or a trusted general dentist for an exam, consider going to a medical professional or emergency room, depending on the level of pain and attention your mouth needs. Birch Family Dentistry offers top emergency dental services available when you need them. Contact us today in Bedford, NH, and surrounding areas for immediate assistance!