What Is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry refers to the care and treatment provided in urgent dental situations. Dental emergencies can arise at any time of the day or night, which is why emergency dentistry is available when needed. 

Dental emergencies can be frightening, so be sure to establish a dental home that provides emergency care. Familiar surroundings and faces can make the experience much less stressful. 

Learn more about emergency dentistry and what to do if an emergency occurs. 

Examples of Dental Emergencies 

There are a wide range of situations that may be considered a dental emergency, such as:

• Severe tooth pain. A toothache that is severe may require immediate attention. It is often an indication of an infection that will need treatment. The sooner you seek treatment for a toothache, the better the outcome. 
• Knocked out tooth. If a permanent tooth gets knocked completely out of the socket it is necessary to act quickly. You only have about 30 minutes to save the tooth. First rinse the tooth in water or milk to clean it. Handle the tooth by the crown only and avoid touching the roots. Place the tooth back in the socket and bite down on some sterile gauze. Then call your dentist. If you can’t get the tooth back in place, put it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to your dentist’s office. 
• Cracked tooth. A cracked tooth is at a high risk of infection, so it should be treated as soon as possible. In many cases a cracked tooth can be restored with a crown, unless the crack extends under the gumline or the tooth is split in half. The sooner it is treated, the greater the chances it can be saved. 
• Soft tissue injury. Any injury to the gums, tongue, lips, or cheeks should be assessed and treated by a dentist. Stitches may be required to repair the tissue and control bleeding. 

Treatment for Dental Emergencies

Common treatments for dental emergencies include the following: 

• Root canal treatment. A tooth that is infected or has an injury to the dental pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, may need a root canal. During this procedure the dental pulp is removed, the tooth is cleaned out and disinfected, then filled with a replacement material. 
• Crown restoration. A tooth that is cracked, broken, or had root canal treatment will need a dental crown. A crown is a tooth shaped cover placed over the existing tooth that provides a natural appearance and function. 
• Splint. If a tooth is knocked out and put back in the socket, a splint will be used to secure the tooth until the natural support structures have healed. 
• Extraction. In some cases a tooth is too damaged to be saved and will need to be extracted. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry 

How do I know if my situation is an emergency?

If it can’t wait until the next day, call us. We will ask questions to determine the level of urgency and act accordingly. It never hurts to call if you’re unsure. 

How long can a tooth stay out of the socket and still be saved?

Ideally the tooth should be put back in the socket within 30 minutes. In some cases a tooth can be out of the mouth for up to an hour as long as it is stored in milk or with a tooth preservation kit. 

Call Springfield Healthy Smiles 

When a dental emergency strikes, the experts at Springfield Healthy Smiles are here for you. We provide prompt treatment in a calm and compassionate manner that puts patients and loved ones at ease. Call 703-866-7000 during regular office hours and we will see you as soon as possible. If you reach us after hours, please follow the instructions on our voicemail to leave a message and someone will contact you shortly. For non-emergencies, contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.