Our Services / Emergency Dentistry

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry provides prompt treatment for potentially serious oral issues, like severe toothaches, gum lacerations, and damaged dental restorations.

If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency, contact Dr. Gleaner and the team as soon as possible. Receiving treatment within an hour of your injury could mean the difference between saving your tooth or needing an extraction.

What types of issues are considered dental emergencies?

Dr. Gleaner and the team use emergency dentistry to treat various oral issues, including:

• Chipped and cracked teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Loose teeth
• Severe toothaches
• Cuts that won’t stop bleeding
• Objects stuck between teeth
• Oral abscesses
• Damaged dental restorations

You might also benefit from emergency dental care if you’re in a car accident and break your jaw. 

How do I deal with a dental emergency?

Dealing with a dental emergency depends on the underlying issue.

Knocked-out permanent tooth

If you lose a permanent tooth, carefully pick it up and rinse it in tap water. Once the tooth is clean, put it back in the socket. If the tooth won’t stay in place or it moves around, put the tooth inside a plastic sandwich bag and call Dr. Gleaner.

Severe toothache

If you develop a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. If the pain persists or interferes with your ability to bite or chew, contact Dr. Gleaner and the team immediately.

Damaged dental restoration

If you crack or damage a dental restoration, like a porcelain crown or a fixed bridge, pick up the pieces and put them in a piece of foil. After securing the restoration, contact Dr. Gleaner. The team always makes time for same-day emergency dental care and will get you in right away.

Is there any way to reduce the need for emergency dentistry?

If you want to reduce the need for emergency dentistry, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Gleaner and the team recommend visiting the office two times a year for professional teeth cleaning, brushing your teeth twice daily, and avoiding bad habits like nail-biting.

If you play contact sports or participate in activities that increase your risk of accidents, like mountain biking, Dr. Gleaner also recommends wearing a mouthguard. 

To request an emergency dentistry appointment at Dr. David Gleaner Family Dentistry, call the office or click the online scheduling tool today.