Do you have a dental emergency? Call Nooga Dentistry at (423) 592-7676 to schedule a priority appointment! Our friendly staff will relieve your pain and restore your smile right away.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any oral health problem that needs immediate attention. Usually, a dental emergency is accompanied by:
- Severe pain that won't go away
- Bleeding that won't stop
- Loose or lost adult teeth
The reason you need to see a dentist right away is to relieve your pain and prevent or repair tooth loss. If you have any of the above symptoms and at-home treatment isn't handling it, call Nooga Dentistry at (423) 592-7676. Even if you aren't sure if your situation is an emergency, call us! Our staff will let you know if you should schedule an emergency appointment, and we can advise you on how to manage your symptoms in the meantime.
Signs of a Dental Emergency
There are several different symptoms that can indicate a dental emergency. The most common one that patients notice right away is severe, sudden pain in a tooth that doesn't abate with over-the-counter medicine. Other common signs of a dental emergency are:
- Loose or lost adult tooth
- Lost dental crowns or filling
- Unexplained gum, cheek, or jaw swelling
- Gums that won't stop bleeding
- An abscess on your mouth, tongue, or gums
- Painful gum inflammation
- Chipped, broken or cracked tooth
- Trauma to the mouth
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call Nooga Dentistry right away for an emergency appointment. It's important to see a professional right away to prevent infection, tooth loss, and long-term damage to your oral health.
What Happens During an Emergency Visit?
As soon as you arrive, our caring staff will administer any necessary first aid treatment to help stop bleeding and relieve your pain.
Next, we will examine the affected area to diagnose the emergency. This may include diagnostic imaging, such as x-rays of your teeth or gums.
Finally, our dentist will explain what caused your dental emergency and discuss your treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
What Should I Do if I've Lost a Tooth?
If your adult tooth has been knocked out, follow these first aid steps:
- Pick your tooth up by the crown, not by the root.
- Carefully inspect the tooth to see that it is not broken or fractured.
- Gently rinse your tooth in a bowl of lukewarm water for no more than 10 seconds.
- If you can, place the tooth gently back in its socket and hold it there until you can see us for your emergency appointment. Do not do this if it is broken or fractured.
- If you can't place your tooth back in the socket, or if it is broken or fractured, store it in a small cup of milk instead and bring it with you to your emergency appointment.