What Is a True Dental Emergency?

What constitutes a “true” dental emergency is a question we’re asked regularly at Afton Dental. While we recommend contacting our office if you ever have any oral health concerns, there are some ways to tell whether you or a loved one are experiencing a problem needing immediate dental care.

What Qualifies as a “True” Dental Emergency?

In general, a “true” dental emergency is a situation in which urgent dental care is required to relieve severe tooth pain, control an infection, save a tooth, or stop bleeding. In any of these cases, make sure you contact your trusted team at Afton Dental right away to let us know what happened. We’ll tell you the best course of action. If, however, you or a loved one experiences a life-threatening emergency at any time, please call 911.

What Happens During Your Emergency Dental Appointment?

Our emergency dentist in Concord, NC, is here to help you, anytime, any day. When your oral health is at risk, we’ll do everything we can to ensure you receive immediate dental treatment. Our primary goal is always to save a tooth using any restorative dental procedures possible, including crowns or root canals. However, tooth extraction may be our only viable option in some cases.

Common Dental Emergencies

If you experience any of the following dental emergencies, make sure to seek urgent care immediately:

• Severe Toothache: Rinse gently with warm water and floss to remove any food trapped between your teeth. Never place aspirin or any pain medication on the affected area.
• Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: Try to return the tooth to its socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, carry it between your teeth and cheeks or in a container of milk and seek emergency care right away.
• Dislodged or Loose Permanent Tooth: Bite down on clean gauze to stabilize the tooth and keep it in place. You may also want to apply a cold compress to the area to keep any swelling down.
• Bitten Lips or Tongue: Place gentle but firm pressure on the area to stop the bleeding. If, however, you can’t control the bleeding, head to the nearest emergency room.
• Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth: Collect any pieces of a tooth, if possible, and bring them to your appointment. A cold compress can help reduce any swelling if present.
• Broken Jaw: A broken or dislocated jaw requires emergency care right away. Contact our office for guidance regarding stabilizing the situation.
• Signs of Infection: A bump on the gums or facial swelling may indicate an abscessed tooth or even a life-threatening infection. Make sure you contact us right away.

If you have a less urgent concern, including a lost crown or filling, we encourage you to contact us for an appointment. Neglecting to care for any dental problem may cause complications and lead to dental emergencies down the road.

Emergency Dental Services Near Me

Contact Afton Dental in Concord, NC, if you or a loved one have a dental emergency. Our team is committed to delivering cutting-edge services to relieve you of pain and ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. You can always count on our team for outstanding, gentle care.