English 
Spanish When it comes to emergencies, nobody ever wants them to happen, but we should all plan for them to happen, just in case. From the time our kids are in grade school, the students participate in multiple fire drills a year. Families in the Midwest prepare for tornadoes like those in the Northeast prepare for blizzards. Some of us even seek advanced training in areas like CPR or first aid to be more helpful in emergencies. We do this so that, in an actual emergency, we don’t spend time thinking of what to do, where to go, or who to call. We can just act, saving ourselves valuable time and energy in stressful situations. But how many people know what to do when experiencing a dental emergency?
According to recent studies, not everyone does. Many patients’ first instinct is to go to the emergency room. While ER doctors can help with pain management and bleeding, they don’t have the specialized equipment or training to handle most dental problems, and you’ll leave in the same condition you arrived. A 2019 Carequest Institute for Oral Health study found that 1.8 million people visited the emergency room that year for non-traumatic dental conditions. Not only does that waste the time and resources of critical emergency personnel, but those 1.8 million ER visitors cost the U.S. healthcare system a whopping $3.4 billion. There must be a better solution, right?
What To Do in a Dental Emergency
The most important action you can take when experiencing a dental emergency is to call an emergency dentist like Dr. Hall and Dr. McNeil at Aspire Dental immediately. Our office prioritizes emergency dental appointments because, in a dental emergency, time is of the essence. Fast action can mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. For example, if you’ve had a tooth knocked out, getting to a dentist within 30-60 minutes can dramatically increase the chances of saving it.
Our knowledgeable staff will help you determine your next steps and provide instructions on managing your symptoms. If you have an emergency after hours, our office voicemail will have instructions on what to do, or an on-call dentist may be available to see you.
Symptoms of a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from an accidental knocked-out tooth to a severe infection that brings unbearable pain. If you find yourself with any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate care:
- Intense, constant, or sudden tooth pain
- Knocked-out teeth
- Broken, cracked, or partially dislodged teeth
- A soft tissue injury that leads to uncontrollable bleeding
- Painful, swollen, or red gums
- Lost dental restoration that causes serious pain
What’s Not Considered a Dental Emergency?
For less severe symptoms, it’s still important to contact your dental office. They can help you determine whether your symptoms need same-day attention or not. These types of symptoms can usually be dealt with at a regular dental appointment:
- Mild or dull toothache
- Small chip in the tooth
- Object stuck between your teeth
- Broken braces
- Lost filling or crown that isn’t immediately painful
Same-Day Treatments Available
It’s stressful when you’re in pain and are worried about your teeth. At Aspire Dental, we have a wide variety of treatments available for your emergency. A root canal can save an infected tooth, or our gum disease treatments can deal with painful or swollen gums. Dental bonding or crowns will restore a broken tooth, but if a tooth needs to be extracted, we can replace it quickly and affordably with mini dental implants. Dental professionals like Dr. Hall and Dr. McNeil are ready to provide the urgent care you need with state-of-the-art technology, an experienced staff, and a comfortable environment.
Worried About Cost?
Dealing with a dental emergency is tough enough without stressing over the cost. At your visit, our team will review your dental insurance to make sure you’re maximizing your coverage. We also work with multiple outside financing companies to provide options for those who need them. Our lending partners can offer flexible payment plans that help make emergency treatments affordable, regardless of your budget.
In a Dental Emergency, Contact Aspire Dental
Don’t wait for a dental emergency to become unbearable. Contact our office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. We’ll discuss your concerns, assess your immediate needs, and provide instructions on managing your symptoms. It’s about prompt care, patient comfort, and maintaining your oral health. In an emergency, Aspire Dental is here for you when you need us the most.
