Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing when to seek immediate care can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. At Springbrook Dentistry in Alcoa, we're here to help you understand what constitutes a dental emergency and when you should contact our office right away.
True Dental Emergencies
Severe Tooth Pain
Intense, throbbing pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
Knocked-Out Tooth
A permanent tooth that has been completely dislodged from its socket
Facial Swelling
Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums, especially with fever
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding from the mouth that won't stop after 15 minutes of pressure
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Step 1: Call Springbrook Dentistry Immediately
Contact our office at (865) 210-7800 as soon as possible. We reserve time in our schedule for dental emergencies and will do our best to see you the same day.
If calling after hours, listen to our voicemail message for emergency contact information.
For a Knocked-Out Tooth:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root
- Rinse gently with water if dirty, but don't scrub
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible
- If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist in milk or saliva
- Get to our office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth
For Severe Pain:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
- Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums
When to Visit the Emergency Room
While most dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist, you should go to the emergency room if you experience:
- Severe facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
- High fever with dental pain
- Trauma to the head, neck, or jaw from an accident
- Uncontrolled bleeding that won't stop
Prevention is Key
Many dental emergencies can be prevented with regular dental care and good oral hygiene. At Springbrook Dentistry, we recommend:
- Regular checkups and cleanings every six months
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports
- Avoiding hard foods that can crack teeth
- Not using teeth as tools to open packages