If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact our office immediately for advice on how to proceed. Call (919) 551-8847
Dental emergencies can arise at any time as the result of trauma or an infection. Tarheel Family Dentistry offers convenient, compassionate care for your dental emergency and makes every effort to see patients the same day when necessary.
Do You Have a Dental Emergency? We Can Help.
If you are experiencing any of the following, call our office right away:
- Severe toothache or persistent pain
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Lost or broken dental crown, filling, or bridge
- Abscess or infection (swelling, pus, fever, or a pimple on the gum)
- Broken or ill-fitting dentures
- Swollen, bleeding, or painful gums
- Object stuck between teeth that you cannot remove with floss
- Injury to the mouth, lips, or tongue
- Jaw pain or possible fracture
- Loose teeth in an adult
Call Tarheel Family & Cosmetic Dentistry as soon as you suspect you have a dental emergency. Our office staff will work with you to
Tips for Dental Emergencies
We always recommend contacting our office in the event of an emergency of any kind involving your dental health, but here are a few tips for managing common problems at home. Never place an aspirin or another type of pain reliever directly on the surface of the teeth or the gums.
- Chipped or cracked tooth: First, gently rinse the area with warm water. If a large portion of the tooth is damaged, try to salvage the piece and contact our office immediately for a possible same-day appointment. A cold compress on the outside of the mouth can minimize pain and swelling.
- Tooth pain: Sudden or throbbing tooth pain can indicate a range of potential concerns and should be evaluated by one of our dentists. Rinsing with warm water and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can reduce your discomfort while at home.
- Knocked-out tooth: Try to locate the lost tooth and pick it up gently by the crown. You can rinse the tooth to remove debris and then try to place the tooth back in its socket, gently biting down. If this does not work, place the tooth in a container of saliva or hold it between the cheeks and the gums until you can be seen in our office.
- Broken dental crown, bridge or denture: a broken crown, if mostly intact, can be held in place temporarily by over the counter dental cement until you can be seen. A broken or slipping bridge or denture should be addressed by our office as soon as possible to minimize irritation of the gums.
Treatment Options for Dental Emergencies
When you have a dental emergency, the right treatment depends on the problem. Here are the most common emergency treatments we provide at Tarheel Family Dentistry.
Toothache or Cavity
If you have a toothache, the first step is to find the cause. We will take X-rays and examine your tooth. If you have a small cavity, we can place a filling. If the decay is deep, you may need a root canal to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. We will numb the area so you are comfortable during the procedure.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
For a minor chip, we can use dental bonding. This involves applying a tooth-colored resin to repair the shape of your tooth. For a larger crack or break, you may need a crown. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects your tooth. In some cases, if the crack goes below the gum line, we may need to extract the tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical with a knocked-out tooth. If you can get to our office within an hour, there is a good chance we can save it. We will clean the tooth and place it back into the socket. We may then splint it to the neighboring teeth to hold it in place while it heals. If the tooth cannot be saved, we will discuss replacement options like a dental implant or bridge.
Lost or Broken Crown or Filling
If you lose a crown or filling, the exposed tooth can be sensitive and vulnerable to damage. We can clean the area and place a new filling. If you need a new crown, we will take impressions and place a temporary crown. Your permanent crown will be ready in about two weeks.
Abscess or Infection
An abscess is a serious infection that can cause swelling, pain, and fever. Treatment involves draining the infection and removing the source, which may be a root canal or extraction. We may also prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Broken Denture or Bridge
If your denture or bridge breaks, we can often repair it. In some cases, we may need to make a new one. Bring any broken pieces to your appointment. We will evaluate the damage and recommend the best solution to restore your smile.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Do you have more questions about your dental emergency? Read answers to common questions patients have for our Chapel Hill emergency dentist.
How quickly can I get an emergency appointment?
We prioritize emergency patients and will do our best to see you the same day you call. Please call our office as soon as possible so we can schedule you promptly.
Should I go to the emergency room or the dentist?
For most dental emergencies like toothaches, chipped teeth, or lost crowns, you should see a dentist. Emergency rooms are not equipped to provide dental treatment like root canals or tooth repair. However, if you have a life-threatening condition such as severe facial swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a fractured jaw, or a deep wound, go to the ER immediately.
Will you treat my child in a dental emergency?
Yes. We welcome patients of all ages and provide gentle, compassionate care for children in emergency situations. Our office can treat your child’s tooth pain, knocked-out tooth, or gum pain.
What if I have a dental emergency after hours?
Please call our main office number at (919) 551-8847. Our voicemail will provide instructions on how to reach us for urgent after-hours care.
Get Urgent Dental Care in Chapel Hill
Do you have severe tooth pain or a dental injury? Call Tarheel Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for emergency care today at (919) 551-8847. If you don’t have an emergency but need treatment, schedule a consultation with us online. Dr. Lee and his dental team will work with you to find the best solution to your dental problem.
