Emergency Dentist

Emergency Dentist in The North Shore Area

Whiting Dental Arts is located in Swampscott Massachusetts and serves patients throughout the North Shore. This includes providing emergency dental services. When an individual experiences a dental emergency either because of damage directly to the teeth and gums or because of issues with a dental implement like a filling or dental crown, they should see an emergency dentist right away. Not all dentists are able to provide emergency dental services. If you need an emergency dentist in the North Shore area, we would be happy to help. Give us a call to set up an appointment with our team. Read on below to learn more about dental emergencies and what to do when they happen. 

Group of dentists

Emergency Dentist On The North Shore

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What Is A Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental issue that is both not life threatening and requires immediate attention. For example, if a filling falls out, a tooth is cracked, or an individual is experiencing a severe toothache, these would all be examples of dental emergencies. One misconception about dental emergencies is that they are just in regards to knocked out teeth or cracked/broken teeth. Some of the most common dental emergencies include broken/loose fillings, issues with crowns, implants, or dental bridges, or symptoms in general. There are some oral issues that need to be handled immediately like a knocked out tooth or damage to a dental implant, and there are other dental issues that should be handled as soon as possible. Below we will discuss some of the most common dental emergencies and what steps you can take as an individual or as a family member. But one recommendation we have for everyone is to know the phone number of a local emergency dentist. 

Should I See An Emergency Dentist or Go To The Emergency Room?

One common confusion is the difference between dental emergencies and other medical emergencies. Simply put, if an individual is experiencing a life-threatening injury you should call 911 and go to an Emergency Room. However, knocked-out teeth, injuries to the gums, loose adult teeth, or severe tooth pain can be handled by a dentist. In fact, it is often preferable to all parties that oral emergencies are handled by dentists. They often have the experience and tools to handle the dental emergency, it is often less expensive for the patient/family than using an ER, and it gives teams at Emergency Care Wings at hospitals more time to focus on other patients. 

What Do I Do If A Tooth Is Knocked Out Or Damaged?

What Should I Do If A Filling Is Leaking, Loose or Falls Out?

A filling can get damaged over time. One thing that many people do not consider is that a filling creates a potential area for plaque to grow. Part of the reason why it is so important to floss is because plaque and bacteria can grow between teeth unchecked. With a filling the space between the edge of the filling and the edge of the tooth is at higher risk for decay. As decay begins it can lead to a larger and larger gap between the the filling and the tooth. While you might not notice this it can eventually cause the filling to get loose and for a cavity to reform where the filling initially replaced the removed section of the tooth. This can also cause what is often called a “leaky filling”. Liquid can get into the space between the filling and the tooth and leak out. 

If a filling is leaking, loose, or completely falls out, you should see an emergency dentist as quickly as possible. In the interim, avoid chewing on that tooth and handle any pain with a cold compress. After a filling falls out the tooth might have have exposed dentin or pulp. Exposed tooth pulp or dentin can quickly can infected by bacteria. If the filling is loose pressure could lead to the filling falling out. After a filling falls out, you should call a dentist, and set up an appointment. You should disinfect your mouth by gargling with salt water, similar to what you would do after wisdom tooth surgery. Mix warm water with salt and gargle it for a few seconds. If you are waiting a few days to see a dentist, gargle with salt water after meals, avoid chewing on the tooth, and brush gently in that area.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub or clean it with soap — use only water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. Get to the Emergency Dentist immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Contact your emergency dental office as soon as possible. The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth.

Contact your Dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if the lip also was injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.

You need immediate emergency medical attention. Either go directly to an Emergency Room or call 911. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital. A severe head injury can be life-threatening.

Give a dental office a call, toothaches should be handled right away as they are often signs of underlying issues. In the meantime, over the counter pain medication for children can be used to alleviate pain before their dental visit. Additionally, an ice pack or cold compress can help alleviate the pain as well. 

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