What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are any situation that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage or to alleviate pain. What qualifies as a dental emergency to seek prompt treatment and avoid complications.
Some common signs that you need urgent dental care include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relief
- A broken or knocked-out tooth
- Abscesses, infections, or swelling
- Bleeding from the gums or mouth that doesn’t stop
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see a dentist right away. Our team at Wolfe Dental Spa is equipped to handle all types of dental emergencies and will provide the care you need as quickly as possible.
Which Emergencies Do We Treat?
Severe Tooth Pain
Severe tooth pain can be caused by cavities, infections, or other issues. To address it, we may use dental fillings to treat cavities, removing decayed areas and sealing the tooth.
If the pain is caused by an infection in the tooth’s root, root canal therapy may be necessary. During the procedure, the infected pulp is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and it is sealed.
If the tooth is too damaged, an extraction may be performed to prevent more complications.
Broken or Knocked‑Out Teeth
For minor chips or cracks, we often use dental bonding or veneers to restore the tooth’s appearance and function. For more serious fractures, a dental crown may be needed to protect and strengthen the tooth.
If a tooth is knocked out, re-implantation might be possible, depending on the timing. If re-implantation isn’t an option, we’ll discuss implants or bridges as long-term solutions.
Abscesses and Infections
Abscesses are infections that can cause pain and swelling. If an infection affects the tooth's pulp, we may perform a root canal to remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth. When there’s significant swelling, we drain the abscess to relieve pressure and reduce pain.
In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection, and if the tooth can’t be saved, extraction might be necessary to stop the infection from spreading.
What to Do Before a Visit to an Emergency Dentist
If you experience a dental emergency, staying calm and following these steps can help minimize damage and ensure you receive the best care possible:
- For Tooth Pain: Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss to remove any debris. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort but avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
- For Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth: If your tooth has been knocked out, keep it moist. You can rinse it gently with water (don’t scrub it) and try to place it back in its socket if possible. If you can’t, store it in milk or a saline solution. For a broken tooth, save any fragments and avoid chewing on the affected side.
- For Abscesses or Infections: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Avoid putting ice directly on the infected area, as this can cause further irritation. Get to our office as soon as possible.
No matter the emergency, we will do our best to offer fast and effective care when you arrive.
Need an Emergency Dentist in Bethlehem, PA? Call Us Today!
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Wolfe Dental Spa, we provide prompt, compassionate care for all types of dental emergencies.
Whether you’re experiencing severe pain, dealing with a broken tooth, or managing an infection, our skilled team is here to offer relief as soon as possible.
Contact us today at (610) 686-3395 and get the immediate care you need!
