Emergency Dentist – Upper Arlington, OH 

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? Though you should typically get a toothache checked out by your dentist, not every situation is considered an emergency. You should head to your dentist’s office if you experience symptoms such as sharp/throbbing pain, severe discomfort that persists longer than a day, a small pimple-like bump on your gums, or signs of an infection (such as swelling, fatigue, or fever).

How you should handle a toothache: Until you can visit your dentist, floss around the tooth and rinse your mouth to see if you can dislodge any debris or troublesome particles. Using salt water can help relieve discomfort and eliminate bacteria. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers or place a cold compress on your cheek to minimize any swelling. If you notice a bump on your gums, do not try to pop it.

How we treat toothaches: Once you arrive at our office, our team will assess your condition and determine the best course of action. Most toothaches are due to decay or cavities, which can be addressed with antibiotics or tooth-colored fillings. If your gums are infected, we can offer gum disease treatment. If a tooth is severely damaged or infected beyond repair, we may need to extract it.

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? A chipped tooth may not be life-threatening, but it can leave you exposed to bacteria and further damage if not treated. To avoid more serious issues, like an infection, you’ll want to get it fixed by your dentist sooner rather than later.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: You should rinse your mouth with clean water or salt water to wash away debris and disinfect the area. Gather any pieces of your tooth and bring them with you to your appointment in case your dentist can put them back together. While you wait for your visit, keep your tooth protected from damage and sensitivity by covering it with dental wax or even sugar-free gum.

How we treat chipped teeth: In many cases, our team can reattach any chipped-off pieces or repair the tooth itself with composite resin. The substance will be hardened after being sculpted so that it matches the rest of your pearly whites. However, if the damage is more visible like on a front tooth, you might consider veneers for a longer-lasting solution.

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Even if you experience a small crack in your tooth, you’ll want to visit our office for treatment as soon as possible. This will help minimize any further damage and help protect the inner pulp from getting infected.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: You’ll want to keep your tooth protected until you arrive at your dental appointment. In addition to rinsing the area with water to remove any bacteria, you’ll need to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth or eating altogether so that you don’t disturb the tooth any further. Place an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to alleviate inflammation and take pain relievers to ease discomfort.

How we treat cracked teeth: Mild cracks or damage to your teeth can typically be fixed with composite resin. More severe damage may require us to protect your tooth by covering it with a dental crown. If the tooth is beyond repair, we’ll have to consider removing it completely to preserve the rest of your smile.

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency? There are several potential causes behind your symptoms; some are more urgent than others. It’s often the result of weakened enamel due to an overly acidic diet, aggressive over-brushing, tooth decay, gum disease, or an infection. We won’t know what we’re dealing with until we examine your mouth, so it’s better to call us sooner rather than later.

How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth: Contact us first and explain the situation so we can schedule an appropriate appointment time. Then, based on your circumstances, we might also provide at-home care tips, like switching to a desensitizing toothpaste or rinsing with warm salt water. Try to avoid eating overly spicy, acidic, sweet, hot, or cold foods that might exacerbate your condition.

How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth: The treatment for your sensitivity depends on the cause. If enamel is weakened, a topical fluoride treatment may help. Otherwise, you might require a filling, gum disease therapy, or other solution to address the underlying issue.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency? Losing an adult tooth isn’t considered normal, and it’s essential to be seen as quickly as possible, so please contact us immediately. The tooth is only viable for a short time after it’s been dislodged, and you must act fast if you hope to reimplant it.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth: Locate the lost tooth, keeping in mind that it may still be in your mouth, so be cautious when swallowing. Gently rinse the tooth with water, but only touch the crown (tooth-shaped portion) and not the roots to keep the cells intact. Then, store it in a small container with saliva or milk to preserve it until you arrive for your appointment.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth: If the tooth is in relatively decent condition, we may be able to place it back in its socket to reintegrate over time. Otherwise, we’ll examine your condition and suggest an appropriate replacement based on our findings.

Learn More About Replacing Missing Teeth

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency? Typically, your dental filling or crown isn’t intended to last forever, so it’s not always urgent when one is lost. However, the underlying tooth is vulnerable to injury or infection if left unprotected for long, so you should contact us as soon as possible.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown: Try to locate the lost restoration and bring it with you to your appointment. If you’ve lost a dental crown, you might be able to temporarily put it back in its place with a small amount of dental cement or a dollop of toothpaste, but this isn’t usually recommended for fillings.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns: If your dental crown was placed relatively recently and is still in good condition, we might be able to bond it back over your injured tooth. Otherwise, we’ll likely recommend replacing your filling or crown.

Broken Denture

Loose Permanent Tooth

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Jaw Pain

Something Stuck Between the Teeth