Dental emergencies can be a stressful part of general dentistry, but at our dental office, we strive to make emergency dental care as pain-free as possible. Whether you are dealing with a severe toothache, a broken tooth, swelling, or another urgent concern, our team works quickly to help relieve discomfort and protect your oral health.
Each of our emergency dentists in Norfolk is committed to treating tooth pain fast – usually on the same day. We also make sure you have as many options as possible to eliminate pain and protect your smile.
If you are unsure whether you have a dental emergency, the best approach is to contact Norfolk County Dental Care at (508) 528-6510to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff.
When You Come in for a Dental Emergency
When you arrive in our office for your emergency visit, an assistant will take an X-ray of the area to help your emergency dentists make an accurate diagnosis. Many dental conditions are not visible without an X-ray.
We always present all treatment options and explain them so you can make the best choice for your oral health. An emergency dental exam helps us relieve your pain and stabilize the area until full treatment can be completed. Sometimes we can accomplish this in a single visit; other times, we will schedule a follow-up appointment.
Causes of Severe Tooth Pain
Toothaches can happen because of:
- An acute condition, like an infection
- A chronic condition, like grinding your teeth
- An accident or trauma
We will perform an emergency evaluation to determine the cause of your pain.
Common Dental Emergencies
- Injury—Loose teeth from an injury or trauma are not typical and should be looked at immediately. If you have had an accident and are experiencing loose teeth, you should call Norfolk County Dental Care directly. If you are also experiencing bleeding that won’t stop or have had a head injury, you should take yourself to an emergency room right away. Give our friendly dental team a call to let them know what has happened; we may be able to provide advice. ERs don’t commonly have a dentist on staff and may only be able to treat the bleeding or a broken jaw.
- Tooth pain—Most dental problems are asymptomatic, meaning that patients are unaware they have an infection, decay, or disease until it has reached a critical stage. At this point, pain is often felt. If you are experiencing tooth pain, call our dentist in Norfolk, MA, immediately so we can manage your pain and provide relief. In the meantime, you can apply a cold compress to the site for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Knocked-out tooth—If you have knocked your tooth out of its socket, we may be able to save it if we can see you right away. It’s important not to handle the tooth by the roots; instead, pick it up by the crown. Keep your tooth safe in your mouth or a container of milk; it’s essential not to let the root dry out. This dental emergency is time-sensitive; we have the highest success rate if we can see you within 30 minutes of the incident.
- Infection—Infections never resolve themselves; it takes a dental professional to treat your dental issue. Over-the-counter medication can provide pain relief until you can see us.
- Sensitive teeth—While a little bit of tooth sensitivity can be standard for some people. It can be unusual if it occurs suddenly or feels extreme. While sensitive teeth themselves are not a dental emergency, they are an indicator of an infection or something equally wrong
Types of Emergency Treatments
Emergency Root Canals
One of the most common dental emergencies is a tooth infection. Tooth pain does not necessarily mean you need an extraction, however. Often, a root canal can save your tooth.
Root canals have an unfair reputation for being painful when, in actuality, they feel similar to a filling – only they reduce your pain and set you on the path to healing.
We always make sure your tooth is completely numb before we begin.
During root canal treatment, we will:
- Make a small access to the root of the tooth
- Clean out the infected nerve and tissue
- Place medication inside the canal to heal the tooth
- Seal the tooth to keep out food and bacteria
Once you have healed and the infection is resolved, we will place a permanent restoration to protect your tooth. When we remove the pulp and nerve, your tooth will become more brittle, and the added protection of a dental crown can add years or even decades to the life of your tooth.
Repairing Broken or Chipped Teeth
A broken tooth is another common dental emergency. Sometimes a broken tooth occurs because of an accident, while other times it is because the structure was already compromised from a teeth-grinding habit or previous injury.
Either way, repairing the tooth with a filling or dental crown will make it feel comfortable and protect it from food and bacteria.
Tooth Extractions
In some cases, removing a troubled tooth is the best way to protect your oral health. We offer tooth extractions in Norfolk, MA, and can help you decide which tooth replacement option will work best after your extraction.
Get Fast Relief with Emergency Dental Care in Norfolk, MA
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or symptoms pointing towards a dental emergency, do not wait to seek emergency dental care! Taking action right away can give you more treatment options and help you save your tooth. Contact Norfolk County Dental Care ASAP at (508) 528-6510 ; even after hours, one of our dentists will get in touch right away.