At Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer same-day care and accept walk-ins for emergency dental appointments. We know it can be tough to fit an emergency visit into your busy schedule, so we’ve made it as easy as possible.
We have early morning appointments during the week and try to start treatment right away, especially if you’re in pain. This helps you get the care you need quickly so you can get back to your day.
Emergencies often happen at the worst times. If you’re in pain or have had a dental injury, call us, and we’ll do our best to see you the same day. We set aside time each day for emergencies because we don’t want you to be in pain any longer than necessary.
Let us help you with your dental emergency in Cary, NC. Dr. Hieu Nguyen provides comfortable and thorough general dental care at Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Common Dental Emergencies
Here are some common dental emergencies and what to do:
Chipped or Broken Tooth
If you chip or break a tooth, contact your dentist as soon as you can. Severe damage can lead to further problems, and you might risk losing the tooth.
In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling. If you can, save any pieces of the broken tooth. Don’t chew with the damaged tooth, and cover any sharp edges with dental wax to avoid hurting yourself.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth gets knocked out, call our office right away. The sooner you get treatment, the better the chances of saving the tooth. When handling the tooth, hold it by the crown (the top part), not the root.
Rinse it gently without scrubbing. If you can, put the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva. Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly on your gums, as this can cause damage.
Loose or Lost dental filling
If a dental filling becomes loose or falls out, contact your dentist so we can fix or replace it as soon as possible. Leaving it untreated can lead to more decay or an infection.
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. You can use dental wax or over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily fill the cavity and protect the tooth. This will also help ease discomfort. Try not to chew on that side of your mouth until your dentist fixes it.
Loose or Lost Dental Crown or Bridge
If your dental crown or bridge comes loose or falls out, try to find it and keep it in a safe place. Then, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. Bring the crown or bridge with you. Your dentist might be able to reattach it. If not, they will start the process of making a new one.
Never try to reattach a dental crown or bridge yourself using household glue. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water, cover the exposed tooth with dental wax, and avoid chewing on that side until your dentist fixes the issue.
Abscess Around a Tooth
A tooth abscess is a serious dental emergency. It can cause severe pain, bad breath, sensitivity to hot and cold, and fever. Sometimes, you may notice a swollen, pimple-like area near the infected tooth. If you think you have an abscess, contact your dentist immediately. Abscesses can lead to serious infections if not treated quickly with antibiotics, drainage, or a root canal.
Rinse your mouth with salt water to help reduce bacteria and ease discomfort for now. Avoid applying heat or aspirin directly to the affected area. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain until you see your dentist.
Toothache
A toothache might or might not be an emergency. Always call your dentist to get advice and schedule an appointment if needed. If the pain is severe and doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of an infection or decay that needs immediate attention.
In the meantime, gently floss and rinse your mouth to see if something is stuck between your teeth causing the pain. You can apply a cold compress or ice to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling or pain. Avoid applying heat or aspirin directly to your teeth or gums. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Read through our frequently asked questions about dental emergencies to learn more about what to do in these situations. The most common dental emergency is a toothache. Other common emergencies include a broken tooth, a lost tooth, and an infection. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact us.
Can You Save a Tooth That has Been Knocked Out?
You can save a healthy tooth that falls out, but you need to act fast. If you’ve suffered dental trauma and your tooth gets knocked out, follow these steps:
- Rinse the tooth gently without scrubbing to remove dirt.
- Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue.
- Don’t try to put the tooth back in its socket; this could cause more damage.
- Get to the dentist as quickly as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
If storing the tooth in your mouth isn’t possible, wrap it in clean gauze and place it in milk.
What Can I Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If your teeth are sensitive to temperature or pressure, schedule an exam with Dr. Nguyen to see what’s causing the sensitivity. Some ways to manage tooth sensitivity include:
- Using sensitivity toothpaste with active ingredients like strontium chloride or potassium nitrate, which are effective in treating sensitivity. Continue using it even if the sensitivity goes away.
- Avoid highly acidic foods like citrus fruits, tea, and soda because they can make sensitivity worse and reduce how well sensitivity toothpaste works.
Will the ER Pull a Broken Tooth?
No, the ER won’t pull a broken tooth. They will refer you to a dentist for treatment. Emergency rooms are typically not equipped to handle routine dental procedures such as tooth extractions. They prioritize life-threatening emergencies and don’t have the resources to perform non-urgent dental procedures.
The ER considers dental issues as non-emergencies. It’s best to have a dentist or oral surgeon address them in a dental office setting.
Can I Prevent Dental Emergencies?
While you can’t prevent all emergencies, you can lower the risk by being cautious. Wear a mouthguard during sports, avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels, and maintain regular dental check-ups to catch potential issues early.
What if I Can’t Find my Knocked-out Tooth?
If you can’t find your knocked-out tooth, don’t panic. Contact your dentist immediately. They can discuss options like dental implants or bridges to replace the missing tooth and restore your smile.
How Do I Know if My Toothache is an Emergency?
If your toothache is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, it could indicate an infection or abscess. Severe infections or an abscess needs immediate care. Call your dentist right away for advice and to schedule an emergency appointment.
What is Classified as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any sudden issue that needs immediate care from a dentist. This includes things like a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken tooth. Contact Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry if you need emergency dental care in Cary, NC. Call 919-823-7107, or request an appointment with Dr. Nguyen on our website for non-emergencies.