Emergency Dentist – Alpharetta, GA

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency?: Tooth pain is often the result of decay that was left untreated for too long, but there are other explanations as well. You should seek emergency treatment for a toothache if:

• The pain doesn’t go away in less than 24 hours.
• You are experiencing sharp, long-lasting tooth sensitivity.
• The tooth that’s hurting seems darker than normal.
• A small bump has appeared on your gums. (This bump is known as an abscess, and it can appear if a tooth is badly infected.)

How you should handle a toothache: In addition to calling our office as soon as possible, you should take an over-the-counter painkiller to reduce your discomfort. If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, periodically apply a cold compress to the area.

In some cases, the source of your pain might be a bit of food debris stuck in your smile. You can often resolve this particular issue on your own simply by flossing.

How we treat toothaches: We will need to tailor the treatment we provide based on the source of your tooth pain. Sometimes gum disease treatment or a root canal treatment might be necessary; at other times, you may need to receive a crown or filling. Our team will try to save your tooth whenever possible, but extractions are available as a last resort.

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?: You might chip a tooth in an accident or while chewing on a hard object such as a peppermint or a piece of ice. In many cases, you can afford to wait a few days to have a chipped tooth treated. That said, be sure not to put off calling our office for too long.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: Trying to bite down on anything with a chipped tooth can potentially damage it further, so make a point of chewing with the opposite side of your mouth for the time being. Sometimes the tooth may be chipped in a way that leaves it with a sharp edge; to avoid injuries to the soft tissues inside your mouth, cover the tooth with some dental wax.

How we treat chipped teeth: We’ll need to examine the tooth carefully before we can figure out the best way to repair it. Veneers are often a great choice for covering the damaged area while also restoring the appearance of the tooth. Tooth-colored fillings can also be an option worth considering.

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?: As strong as your enamel is, it can become cracked in an accident. Some cracks are more severe than others, but it takes the eye of a trained dental expert to determine just how serious the situation is. As such, even if your cracked tooth doesn’t hurt, you should give our office a call immediately to schedule an appointment.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: Keep the tooth safe; do not bite down on anything with it until it has been properly treated. To protect the tooth from harmful bacteria that might cause an infection, remember to periodically rinse with water. If the tooth is unusually sensitive, putting dental wax on it might help.

How we treat cracked teeth: Once we’ve evaluated the damage, we can determine the best method for restoring the tooth. This often involves placing a personalized crown. Of course, not every cracked tooth can be saved; if the damage is simply too extensive, an extraction might be required.

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Yes, you should not wait to seek proper treatment for very sensitive teeth. This problem can arise for many reasons, some of which include excessive teeth whitening, a cavity, a cracked tooth, gum recession/gum disease, or a serious infection.

How you should handle very sensitive teeth: Having very sensitive teeth means that you will want to stay away from anything that is hot, cold, or acidic. Instead, opt for lukewarm temperatures, as this will minimize sharp pains and discomfort. Also, refrain from eating ice, biting your fingernails, or chewing on anything hard, as this will irritate the sensitive nerves.

How we treat very sensitive teeth: We will treat your sensitive teeth once we understand why the problem occurred in the first place. Depending on the underlying cause, we may recommend desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatment, periodontal therapy, a tooth-colored filling, or even tooth extraction. You can expect us to go over the details with you during your visit.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Yes, you should not wait to seek emergency treatment for a knocked-out tooth. This is a time-sensitive issue that needs proper care right away.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: The first step you should plan to take when faced with a knocked-out tooth is to rinse out your mouth. Once all the debris is flushed out, you’ll want to retrieve the tooth so that you can bring it with you to your appointment. Hold the tooth only by the crown and quickly rinse off any dirt or debris. If possible, you may try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and gently bite down to hold it in place. If you would rather not do this, you can place your tooth in a jar or container of milk, as this will keep the root moist and healthy until reaching our dental office.

How we treat knocked-out teeth: Once arriving at our office, you can expect us to quickly escort you to a treatment room. We will take any necessary images as well as conduct a visual examination. After looking at the tooth to determine if it can be reintegrated, we’ll develop a proper treatment plan. This will include either attempting to put the tooth back into place or discussing ways to replace it. This might mean receiving a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant based on your needs, preferences, and budget.

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Yes, a lost filling or dental crown is a dental emergency, but you may not need to seek treatment immediately. This means that you can usually wait a day or two before seeing your emergency dentist. Waiting any longer though will put your vulnerable tooth at risk for future damage or decay.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown: It is tempting to try and fix the problem yourself, and you can use dental cement (if you’ve lost a crown), but you can instead hold on to the restoration (if possible) and bring it with you to your appointment. In the meantime, try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Also, take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you experience any discomfort.

How we treat a lost filling or crown: Treating your lost crown or filling might mean reattaching the existing one (if it is in good condition) or preparing a new one for your smile. If the existing crown or filling is too damaged or lost, we will have a customized tooth-colored filling or metal-free dental crown crafted.

Broken Denture

Loose Permanent Tooth

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Jaw Pain

Something Stuck Between the Teeth