In the event of a dental emergency, call Perfect Smiles at 215-770-1081. Our dental team provides immediate emergency dentistry treatments to patients in Bensalem, PA. As a general dentistry service, emergency dental care helps prevent further damage to restorations and the natural smile. If you have sustained a non-dental injury, we ask that you visit a hospital before our office. We can treat any dental problems after you have received important medical care.
Emergency Dental Care in Bensalem, PA
There are a variety of emergency dental problems that we treat, including:
Lost Permanent Tooth
If you have just lost a permanent tooth, try to locate the tooth and hold it by its top, or crown. Place the tooth in a cup of cold milk or saliva to transport it to our office. This gives it the best chance of preserving it so that it can be replaced in the mouth. You may stave off bleeding by applying pressure to the tooth socket with a clean cloth. We can provide a dental implant to restore the missing tooth if it cannot be reattached. Implants replace teeth at the root and provide stability for dental prosthetics.
Broken Teeth
Dental injuries are common oral health emergencies. If you have chipped or broken one of your teeth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure to the tooth with a cloth if it is bleeding. Our dental office offers dental veneers, tooth bonding, and dental crowns. These cosmetic and restorative treatments repair and add structure to the tooth enamel.
Objects Stuck Between Teeth
Gently floss if you have an object stuck between your teeth. Do not try to use any other methods to free the object, as this can damage your tooth enamel. If this doesn’t work, call our office, and we can help you remove any objects causing tooth pain. Specialized dental tools can remove it more easily, and our skilled staff can ensure damage doesn’t occur.
Tooth Pain
Dental pain, sensitivity, and toothaches may have a variety of causes. The most common causes of dental pain include TMJ disorders, dental injuries, or tooth decay. Contact our dental office if you have severe or chronic tooth pain. If it’s an injury or an infection, we’ll want to treat it as soon as possible to avoid any further issues. We will find the cause of your pain or sensitivity.
Broken or Lost Restoration
If you have just broken a dental crown, bridge, or denture, do not attempt to place it back in your mouth. Please bring all of the pieces of your restoration to our office if you find them. The dentist will determine if the restoration is salvageable to place back in your mouth. We will provide you with a new restoration if we cannot salvage your broken restoration.
Excessive Bleeding
It is normal for patients to experience some bleeding after tooth extractions. However, it is abnormal for patients to experience bleeding for days after a dental procedure. Contact us immediately if the bleeding has not stopped at your tooth socket. Typically, blood clots form at extraction sites. Excessive bleeding needs to be addressed by a dental professional.
If you haven’t had a recent procedure, a lot of bleeding is a sign of a deeper problem. If you notice bleeding almost every time you brush or floss your teeth, it indicates that you may have gum disease. You can only reverse gum disease in its earliest stages, so you’ll want to get treatment as soon as possible.
Emergency Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common dental emergency?
The most frequent dental emergency is severe toothache resulting from tooth decay, infection, or injury. Severe, sudden tooth pain without warning indicates an urgent need for dental care. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a dentist are important for relieving pain and saving the tooth.
Should I go to the ER for tooth pain?
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, it’s best to contact your dentist first. Dentists have the training and expertise to handle dental emergencies and can often see you on the same day. However, if you can’t reach your dentist, the pain is unbearable, or you have symptoms like fever or swelling, you should go to the emergency room. These could be signs of a severe infection that needs immediate treatment. Dental pain signals something wrong, so don’t ignore it.
Can the ER pull an infected tooth?
Emergency rooms do not have dentists on staff, so they can’t pull teeth. However, if you go to the ER with dental pain or an infection, ER doctors can provide pain relief and antibiotics to address the infection. If you have a severe dental issue, you should see a dentist or oral surgeon directly. They have the tools and expertise for dental treatments.
How long can you go with a missing tooth?
You can go indefinitely without replacing a missing tooth. However, most dentists will not recommend that. When a tooth is missing, surrounding teeth can shift. This can lead to bite problems or make it harder to replace the tooth later. Additionally, the jawbone can start to deteriorate in the missing tooth area. This can lead to facial changes over time. A missing tooth can also impact speech and eating.
Can you get a dry socket after a tooth falls out?
Yes, it is possible to get a dry socket after a tooth falls out. Dry socket is a condition that can occur after tooth extraction if the blood clot in the empty socket fails to form and heal properly. To reduce the likelihood of developing a dry socket, follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions. These instructions may include avoiding rinsing vigorously for 24 hours after extraction, not smoking, and refraining from drinking through straws.
Is a bad toothache considered a dental emergency?
Yes, dentists consider severe toothache a dental emergency. It can indicate a serious underlying issue, such as an abscess or infection. If you’re experiencing intense tooth pain, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Call Our Dental Office Today
If you have an emergency or want to schedule a routine appointment, call 215-770-1081. For non-emergency services, you may also request a dental consultation with our team online. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about your developing dental concerns. We will be glad to help you get the answers you need.