Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies can happen suddenly and lead to severe pain, swelling, or extreme discomfort. At Deaton Dental Associates and Flowertown Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency dental services so you receive the care you need as quickly as possible.

Understanding Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency involves any condition that causes severe toothache, swelling, bleeding gums, or damage to a permanent tooth. Issues like a broken tooth, tooth infection, dental abscess, or fractured teeth should be evaluated promptly to protect your dental health and prevent complications such as tooth infections leading to abscess or the need for an emergency tooth extraction.

How To Handle the Top 5 Dental Emergencies

These steps can help protect your oral health and reduce severe pain until you see a dentist.

1. Severe Tooth Pain or Possible Infection

A severe toothache can develop from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, cracked teeth, and infection or abscess. 

What to do:

• Rinse gently with warm water to keep the area clean
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling

Avoid:

• Placing aspirin directly on the gums
• Ignoring symptoms of infection such as swelling or severe pain

Severe tooth pain should be evaluated as soon as possible to prevent the issue from progressing.

2. Swelling or Signs of Infection

Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face often indicates a tooth infection or dental abscess. These symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

What to do:

• Rinse gently with warm water
• Apply a cold compress
• Seek immediate care if swelling spreads to the jaw, face, or neck

Avoid:

• Applying heat
• Using anything that may irritate the gums or skin

Swelling can progress quickly, so timely evaluation is important. If you experience swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, proceed to the nearest ER.

3. Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or fractured tooth can expose sensitive areas and lead to severe pain or infection if not treated quickly.

What to do:

• Rinse with warm water to remove debris
• Save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you
• Cover sharp edges with dental wax if available

Avoid:

• Chewing on the injured side
• Eating hard or sticky foods until evaluated

Same-day care helps protect the tooth structure and restore comfort.

4. Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

A knocked out permanent tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Quick action improves the chance of saving the tooth.

What to do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root
• Keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or holding it inside your cheek to keep the tooth moist
• If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it

Avoid:

• Scrubbing the root
• Allowing the tooth to dry

Knocked-out teeth should ideally be treated within 30–60 minutes. The faster you are seen, the better. 

5. Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can expose the underlying tooth, leading to tooth pain, sensitivity, or tooth infection if not addressed.

What to do:

• Rinse with warm water to clear the area
• If the dental crown is still intact, keep it in a container or somewhere it won’t be damaged. 

Avoid:

• Using glue or household adhesives
• Chewing on the affected tooth

A same-day appointment isn’t always necessary, but you should try to be seen as soon as possible. 

Same-Day Emergency Appointments

Deaton Dental Associates and Flowertown Dentistry provide same-day emergency dental care for patients experiencing urgent concerns. During your visit, we complete an exam and X-ray if necessary. Your dentist will review the findings with you, explain recommended treatment options, and can often begin treatment the same day if you choose to proceed and the schedule allows.