An Emergency Dentist Can Offer the Care You Need When It Matters Most

You’re at a family picnic, the sun is shining, and laughter fills the air as you enjoy your favorite snack. Then, without warning, a sharp pain jolts through your mouth. Startled, you reach up and feel that you’ve chipped a tooth. In an instant, your relaxed day turns into concern. Is this something serious? Do you need to see an emergency dentist? These situations are more common than you might think. In fact, the American Dental Association reports that someone in the U.S. heads to the emergency room for dental care every 15 seconds.

So, how do you know if it’s truly a dental emergency? Is it nagging tooth pain or a sign of something serious? Understanding the difference can help you avoid unnecessary stress and protect your smile for years. At Carolina Dental Arts, one of our trusted doctors is always ready, often for a same-day appointment, to assess your situation and provide the care you need to keep your smile healthy and pain-free.

When Should I See an Emergency Dentist?

If you’re searching for answers about a dental emergency, we understand that time is of the essence. But what exactly warrants an emergency, and how can we help?

As emergency dentists, we handle many urgent dental issues, offering immediate relief and preventing complications. Our team can assess and treat acute problems, such as:

• Severe tooth pain
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Knocked-out tooth
• Swelling or abscess
• Lost crown or filling

When dental emergencies arise, our team at Carolina Dental Arts is ready to provide quick, effective care to relieve your pain and protect your smile!

What Can I Do While Waiting for My Emergency Dentist Appointment?

Waiting for your dental appointment can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re dealing with pain or uncertainty about your situation. These tips are temporary measures to help you feel more comfortable until your appointment.

How Can I Manage Pain or Discomfort?

If you’re in pain or feeling discomfort, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater—this can help cleanse the area and provide some relief. For swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the sore spot. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can also help manage the discomfort until you see one of our dentists.

What Should I Do If I Have a Chipped or Broken Tooth?

If you chip or break a tooth, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water to clear away any debris. Gather any broken pieces and bring them to your dentist if you can. To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. If the fractured tooth has sharp edges that might irritate your mouth, you can use dental wax from your local pharmacy to protect your tongue and cheeks.

What if My Dental Crown Comes Off?

First, find the dental crown and rinse it gently. Then, store it safely in a small container. Be sure to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the missing crown, and avoid hard, chewy, sticky, or crunchy foods. Until your appointment, you can use wax, gauze, or temporary dental cement to protect your tooth

Can Waiting Make My Dental Emergency Worse?

Acting quickly makes all the difference in a dental emergency. Prompt care can ease your pain and discomfort and might be the key to saving your tooth. For example, if a tooth is knocked out, the chances of successfully reimplanting it drop significantly after just 30 minutes.

Immediate attention is also crucial when dealing with infections. Issues like dental abscesses or severe gum infections can spread fast and lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. By addressing the problem immediately, your emergency dentist can help stop the infection from spreading and protect your overall health.

Taking quick action often means less invasive and less expensive treatments. If left alone, a small crack or chip can become much more serious, like needing a root canal or an extraction. By seeking care right away, you’re more likely to avoid complex procedures and keep more of your natural teeth.

Looking for an Emergency Dentist? Contact Carolina Dental Arts Today!

At Carolina Dental Arts, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be and are here to help. Our compassionate team is ready to provide the immediate care you need at our locations in Raleigh, Durham, and Goldsboro. We can prevent small problems from becoming bigger health concerns by taking swift action.

Book your free consultation today, and let us help you get back to feeling your best—your dental health is our priority!

Stay in the loop with the latest dental advice and emergency tips—follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a healthier, happier smile!