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Providing prompt emergency dental care in Durham, Raleigh, and Goldsboro.
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and dental emergencies are no exception. We never truly plan for them, but when they arise, it’s crucial to have a trusted dental provider ready to help. At Carolina Dental Arts, we understand the urgency and anxiety accompanying these moments. That’s why we offer comprehensive emergency dentistry services designed to address your immediate needs and alleviate your discomfort swiftly.
When To Seek Emergency Dentistry
When you’re faced with a dental emergency, our skilled team is here to provide prompt and effective care. We prioritize your health and well-being, ensuring you receive the necessary treatment to prevent further complications and restore your comfort. Our emergency services cover a wide range of dental issues, including:
- Severe tooth pain: Unexpected tooth pain can be debilitating and can indicate serious issues such as deep decay, infection, or a fractured tooth. We quickly identify the cause through a thorough examination and provide relief through treatments like root canals, extractions, or fillings to address the underlying issue.
- Knocked-out teeth: A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention. If you act fast, there’s a good chance we can save the tooth. Handle it by the top, rinse it carefully without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket if you can. If that’s not feasible, keep it moist in a container of milk. Contact us immediately for the best possible outcome.
- Abscesses and infections: Oral infections can escalate rapidly, causing severe pain and swelling and potentially spreading to other parts of your body. If you notice a pimple-like swelling on your gums, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or experience severe pain, it could be an abscess. Immediate treatment is necessary to drain the infection and provide antibiotics, preventing further health risks.
It’s important to seek dental care promptly at the first sign of a problem. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications and extended discomfort. By addressing issues early, we can prevent minor problems from becoming major ones. For instance, immediate treatment reduces the risk of infection, extensive dental procedures, and long-term health impacts.
Knowing Your Dental Emergencies: When Can It Wait?
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but not all require immediate attention. We can handle some issues during a regularly-scheduled appointment:
- Mild toothache: A mild toothache that comes and goes could be due to minor tooth decay or gum irritation. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoid chewing on the affected side. If the pain persists or worsens, schedule an appointment to have it evaluated.
- Minor chips or cracks: A small chip or crack in a tooth, especially if it isn’t causing pain, can often wait a couple of days for treatment. In the meantime, avoid using the affected tooth for chewing hard foods, and be cautious to prevent further damage. We offer various options like bonding, veneers, and crowns to repair the tooth, restoring both its appearance and function.
- Lost dental filling or crown: If a filling or crown falls out but you are not experiencing any pain, it’s usually safe to wait a day or two to have it replaced. Still, we’ll need to promptly replace the restoration to prevent complications. In the meantime, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. If necessary, use temporary dental cement, which is available at most pharmacies, to cover the cavity. Contact us to schedule a replacement appointment.
- Loose or dislodged braces wire: If a wire from your braces pokes your cheek or gum, it can be uncomfortable but not necessarily an emergency. Dental wax—available at your local pharmacy—can prevent the wire from irritating your gums and cheeks. While loose wires or broken brackets don’t require same-day emergency care, we recommend calling one of our offices as soon as possible to have it repaired within a few days.
While these dental issues can generally wait a day or two, monitoring your symptoms is important. If you experience increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection, seek prompt dental care. We are here to help you with all your dental concerns and provide the care and guidance you need to maintain your oral health.
Do You Need Emergency Dentistry? Call Carolina Dental Arts Today
Access to urgent care through your regular dental office provides convenience and peace of mind when you need it most. For any dental issue that cannot wait, you can rely on Carolina Dental Arts. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in those critical moments, ensuring you receive the care and attention you need without the stress of searching for a new provider. Don’t let a dental emergency disrupt your life—call our offices for prompt and reliable care.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are experiencing unbearable tooth pain, here are some steps you can take for relief until you are able to come into our office:
- Warm saltwater rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it in your mouth. This can help soothe inflammation and clean the affected area.
- Cold compress: Place a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your cheek near the sore tooth. This can numb the pain and reduce swelling. Apply it for 10-15 minutes at intervals.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. For safe use, follow the dosage instructions on the package.
The emergency room is best for serious pain, injuries, and life-threatening situations, like excruciating pain and unmanageable bleeding. The ER staff can provide immediate relief with antibiotics or pain medication and focus on stabilizing your condition until you can see a dentist. On the other hand, urgent care centers can handle non-life-threatening dental issues. They can offer temporary pain relief and manage minor dental problems.
It is important to note that if you experience heavy bleeding that won’t stop, you should go to the emergency room immediately. Persistent bleeding can signal a serious issue that needs prompt attention.
The cost of emergency dentistry can vary depending on the specific treatment you need. When you visit our office, we will evaluate your condition to determine the necessary procedures and provide you with a cost breakdown. We will also work with you to understand your insurance coverage and explore any available payment options to ensure you receive the care you need.
Insurances We Accept
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