Dental emergencies can be inconvenient. Pain begets pain and the inability to find help for a sudden issue can be maddening. You need answers fast if you don’t know where to turn during the hours when dentists aren’t available. The following describes some typical emergencies and provides next steps on how to find treatment in Roswell, Georgia.
What Actually Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every issue should warrant an immediate call to the dentist, but some most certainly do. The following outlines how patients should prioritize their pain.
- Needs care right away – Severe, unrelenting pain, a knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling, or a badly cracked tooth.
- Can usually wait for a regular appointment – A dull ache that comes and goes, a small chip with no sharp edges, or a lost filling that isn’t causing pain.
If you’re stuck between categories, it’s best to notify your dentist about your symptoms. Better safe than sorry! Although most dental-related trips to the ER are not necessary, those who wait on call are usually issued same-day appointments.
What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist
Here are some things you can do to relieve tooth pain on your way to your appointment. You may even be able to prevent your tooth from getting worse.
Knocked-Out Tooth – Grab the tooth by the chewing surface and not the roots. Thoroughly rinse the tooth with water, if possible place the tooth to the socket with the correct placement, if not, place the tooth in a container of milk. Teeth with the highest chance of survival are those which are replanted to their original position within 60 minutes.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth – Rinse your mouth with warm water. Keep the chipped tooth and place on the affected area with a cold damp compress.
Toothache – Remove any food stuck in your teeth by flossing. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Take ibuprofen as needed. Don’t put aspirin on your gums. It will damage your gum tissue.
Swelling or suspected abscess – Pain and Swelling is a sign of infection. Rinse your mouth with salt water for temporary relief, but seek medical attention as this is a severe infection. Do not ignore the signs!
Lost filling or crown – If you happen to have your restoration, you can reapply it with a thin layer of dental cement from a pharmacy. Avoid using superglue.
How to Find an Emergency Dentist Fast
Be specific when searching – If you search “dental emergency in Roswell,” you will find results for dental offices that actually have last minute or emergency appointments, rather than a list of dental offices.
Review hours and read recent reviews before you call – Google Maps and Yelp include recent reviews and the hours for the dental office. Calling only to find out the dental office doesn’t have walk-in appointments is a waste of time.
Ask directly – Our (and many other) dental offices can determine with one quick phone call if your situation requires an emergency dental appointment. Don’t forget to mention any pain you have.
See if someone you know can recommend a dental office – A quick post to a local Facebook group will likely crowdsource an emergency dental appointment for you.
Know when an ED visit is warranted – If you’re having trouble breathing or swallowing or think you have a broken jaw, you should go to the ED. The ED is limited to controlling pain and addressing an infection, so you will still need to see a dentist for a restorative dental procedure.
Emergency Dental Care in Roswell at Roswell Complete Dentistry
These kinds of cases are what we reserve slots for under same-day appointments. If you have any sort of emergency that includes acute pain, fractured tooth, or anything else that requires immediate treatment, give us a call and we’ll take you through the process. We cater to clients from Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton, and the broader Atlanta region.
FAQs
How do I find an emergency dentist?
To find a nearby emergency dentist, search for an emergency same-day dentist near me. Open hours and reviews are helpful to evaluate the practice. Call to describe your symptoms.
What are some examples of dental emergencies?
Severe pain, extreme bleeding, an avulated tooth, facial or gum swelling and a tooth that has broken in pieces and is now in an uncomfortable position are some dental emergencies in which you can not wait for your routine dentist appointment.
Should I go to the emergency room or the dentist for a toothache?
If the pain is significant and your dentist’s office is closed, then a visit to the ER is justified. However, expect to go see your dentist first for a repair of the tooth such as a filling or an extraction.
What should I do if I lose a filling or crown?
Try to keep the filling or crown and avoid chewing on that tooth. See a dentist immediately. In the meantime, a dental cement sold at a pharmacy can help cover the opening.
Are emergency dental appointments more expensive?
It depends on the procedures needed and not if the appointment is emergency. Call our office to get an estimate.
Conclusion
Knowing where to find the right care is even more important than how to identify the right symptoms for a dental emergency. It is always good to be prepared, so have an emergency plan. Call ahead and our team can give you a clearer idea of cost before your visit.
For your dental emergencies, Roswell Complete Dentistry is here to help with our service for Emergency Dental Care in Roswell. We can help our patients from Alpharetta, Saucy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton, Marietta, Dunwoody, and Norcross, too.
About author
Dr. Salwa Hammoud is a Roswell-based dentist focused on comprehensive, patient-centered dental care. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout their dental experience. Dr. Hammoud combines modern dental care with a warm, personalized approach to help patients maintain healthy smiles.
1875 Old Alabama Rd., Ste. 130
Roswell, GA 30076
Phone: 404-595-1840
Email: staff@roswellcompletedentistry.com
