What Should I Do in a Dental Emergency?
When a dental emergency hits, staying calm and acting quickly can save a tooth and limit the damage. Call our Porterville office at (559) 784-6523 first so Dr. Hardt, Dr. Cruz, or Dr. Lewis can talk you through what to do in the minutes before you arrive and reserve time for you.
If a tooth has been knocked out, pick it up by the crown only, not the root. If the tooth is clean, try to gently slide it back into the socket. If that is not possible, keep it moist in a small container of milk on your way to the office. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear the area, and apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a cloth to slow any bleeding. For a severe toothache, a cold compress on the cheek can reduce both pain and swelling while you head our way.
Why Immediate Treatment Matters
Delaying treatment for a dental emergency can stack up real costs. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being reimplanted if it gets to the dentist within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury. An untreated abscess can spread the infection into the jaw and beyond. A cracked tooth that goes untreated almost always cracks further, which often turns a simple restoration into an extraction. Prompt care preserves your natural teeth and almost always means a simpler, less expensive treatment plan than waiting it out.
Common Treatments for Dental Emergencies
When a tooth is severely damaged, deeply infected, or fractured beyond repair, tooth extraction may be the best option to protect your oral health and relieve pain. Dr. Hardt performs extractions with care, using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. We also offer sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety, ensuring a calm and stress-free experience.
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth require prompt restoration to prevent further damage and sensitivity. Depending on the extent of the fracture, Dr. Hardt may recommend a dental filling for minor chips or a dental crown to fully cover and strengthen the damaged tooth. Using CEREC technology, we can often create and place custom crowns in a single visit, so you leave our office with a fully restored smile.
Intense, throbbing tooth pain often signals an infection deep within the tooth’s pulp. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, eliminates bacteria, and seals the tooth to prevent future problems. Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment is comfortable and effective, often providing immediate relief from the severe pain caused by dental abscesses.
How Can I Prevent Dental Emergencies?
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports activities to protect your teeth from injury.
- Avoid chewing hard objects such as ice or hard candies.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to address any issues before they become emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
What counts as a dental emergency?+
A knocked-out tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, a tooth pushed loose from its socket, severe pain that pain relievers do not touch, facial swelling around a tooth, and a clear dental abscess all count as emergencies that need same-day attention. A chipped tooth, a lost filling or crown, or a small piece broken off a back tooth is usually urgent but not strictly emergency-room urgent. If you are unsure, call us anyway and we will help you decide.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?+
Time matters. Pick the tooth up by the crown only, never by the root, and rinse it briefly with water if it is dirty. If the tooth is clean, try to gently slide it back into the socket and bite down on a soft cloth to hold it in place. If you cannot reposition it, drop the tooth into a small container of milk and head straight to our office. The best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth comes when it gets back in the socket within 30 to 60 minutes.
Can you see me the same day?+
Yes. For true dental emergencies we reserve time on the schedule every day so we can see you the same day. Call our Porterville office at (559) 784-6523 and we will work you in as quickly as possible. The faster we see you, the more options we have for treatment, and the simpler the recovery tends to be.
What if it happens after hours or on a weekend?+
Call our main line and follow the prompts. We have an after-hours protocol so existing patients can reach us for true emergencies outside of office hours. For life-threatening injuries, severe facial trauma, breathing problems, or signs of an infection that has spread, go to the nearest emergency room first. Once you are stable, follow up with us right away for the dental side of the care.
How much does emergency dental care cost?+
Cost depends on what the emergency turns out to be. A simple exam to diagnose the problem and place a temporary fix is straightforward. Treatments like a filling, root canal, crown, or extraction are billed at their standard fees. We accept many dental insurance plans and offer CareCredit financing so the cost does not have to sit in the way of getting out of pain. Our front desk will review what your insurance covers and what your portion looks like before treatment starts.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?+
A lot of emergencies come from problems that were silently building for months. Regular cleanings catch cavities and gum issues before they turn into pain. A custom-fitted mouthguard during sports or a nightguard for grinders protects teeth that would otherwise crack. Avoid using teeth as tools (no opening packaging, no chewing ice), and address small chips or sensitive spots when you notice them rather than waiting for the breaking point.