A dental emergency can be any kind of pain or injury caused by physical trauma. This can be a repercussion of an unfortunate accident, infected tooth, or any incident involving your teeth, lips, gums, cheek, or jaw.
For emergencies that can’t wait, Southern York Smile Care offers emergency dental care to ensure you get the immediate attention you need. If you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, try to stay calm and give us a call at (717) 235-3871. We’ll assess the problem and determine the best course of action to restore optimal oral health.
How to Treat a Dental Emergency
If you don’t require immediate care, Dr. Haywood has put together a patient-friendly guide on how to manage common situations and instructions on what to do.
Fractured Tooth
If you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth, contact our office as soon as possible to prevent further damage and infection. Using lukewarm water, rinse your mouth to keep the area clean until you’re able to come in. Dr. Haywood will assess the damage and determine how to restore your tooth back to health.
Toothache or Jaw Pain
If you’re experiencing severe pain, it could be a sign of a more serious problem than a minor toothache or jaw discomfort. We suggest taking an over-the-counter painkiller and applying a cold compress to reduce any swelling or pain. If the pain persists, come in for emergency care so we can get to the root of the problem and relieve your pain.
Knocked Out Tooth
Having a tooth knocked out is a common dental injury that requires immediate dental care. If possible, find the tooth and gently clean it to remove any dirt or debris. Put the tooth in a container with milk or your own saliva to preserve the tooth. Dr. Haywood will try to save and reattach it, depending on the severity of the damage.
Lip or Mouth Injury
If you’ve cut part of your mouth or lip, apply firm pressure with a gauze or clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Dr. Haywood recommends using a cold compress to help relieve pain and reduce any swelling of the affected area. If the bleeding persists after 15 minutes, contact us for immediate care and we’ll examine the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a dental emergency?
Any dental problem that requires immediate attention is considered a dental emergency, like a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. Other signs that you may require emergency care include nerve damage, severe pain, puncture wounds, and more. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it’s important to contact us immediately at (717) 235-3871 so we can address the problem as soon as possible. If it can wait, follow our dental emergency guide above.
Is a cavity a dental emergency?
Typically, a minor cavity is not considered a dental emergency unless you’re experiencing a severe toothache or sudden sensitivity. This can be a sign of something more serious than a cavity, and may need additional treatment. If that’s the case, Dr. Haywood strongly suggests scheduling an appointment at your earliest convenience.
What helps relieve tooth pain?
If you’re experiencing a toothache, we recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to help alleviate any pain or discomfort. Some common medications include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. If the pain continues, give us a call to schedule an appointment so we can determine the cause of your toothache.
What if I’m not sure if it’s an emergency?
If you or a loved one feels uncertain, it’s best to contact our Shrewsbury office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haywood as soon as possible. We’ll examine your oral health, assess the damage, and determine the best course of action. In some cases, waiting to seek treatment can result in further damage or infection. That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Contact Dr. Haywood for Emergency Dental Care
Sometimes, dental emergencies happen, and when they do, Southern York Smile Care has your back. If you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact our office at (717) 235-3871. Or if it can wait, follow our instructions and fill out a convenient online contact form and we’ll get back to you soon.
