Emergency Dentist — Jefferson, OH

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

If you find yourself with a broken tooth, painful mouth, or injured smile of any sort, it’s essential to act promptly. Here’s what you should do in a dental emergency:

1. Call our office as soon as you can: The sooner you call us, the sooner we can help. One of our experienced team members will help evaluate your situation over the phone and guide you through basic first-aid steps. We will also get you scheduled for an appointment as soon as possible, often within the same day.
2. Get an emergency exam & create an action plan: As soon as you arrive for your appointment, one of our two experienced dentists will see you. They’ll quickly but thoroughly inspect your teeth and gums to fully understand your situation. After walking you through their findings, they’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan that both addresses your emergency and fits into your budget.
3. Regain your happy, healthy, and pain-free smile: Once a treatment plan has been made and agreed upon, we will get to work right away. Whether you need a filling, crown, tooth extraction, or something else entirely, your comfort and oral health will always be our top priorities. Before you know it, you and your smile will be back on track!

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, from somewhat inconvenient to truly urgent. Regardless of what kind of situation you’re in, the first step you should always take is to call our dental office. We will provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance and make sure you get the timely treatment you require. Below, we have also compiled some helpful tips to ease your discomfort as you are making your way to our dental office.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies 

The cost of your emergency appointment will depend on a few factors that we can only determine once we have had a chance to examine your situation, like what type of treatment you require and whether you need dental sedation. Once we have diagnosed the problem at-hand, we will explain it to you and discuss each of your treatment options. Our dental office gladly accepts dental insurance and offers additional financing through CareCredit to make getting the help you need more accessible.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canals are notorious for being painful, but that's actually a myth! The pain associated with this procedure is actually caused by the infection itself, which has affected the sensitive pulp of the tooth. Once our patients receive root canals, they nearly always report that they feel much better since their severe toothaches are gone. Plus, once the tooth is restored with a dental crown, many of our patients go on to enjoy using their natural, treated teeth for the rest of their lives.

Tooth Extractions

We never typically recommend extracting a tooth unless we have exhausted all other options where we can preserve it. Once teeth are gone, there is no replacement that can compare to them. However, in some situations, removing a tooth is the best option for maintaining good oral health and preventing issues from spreading. Some situations in which we may suggest this treatment include, a tooth is too damaged to be repaired or crowding is keeping you from being able to successfully undergo orthodontic treatment or to get a prosthetic.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to completely avoid experiencing a dental emergency. There are, however, some steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing one. With this in mind, read on for some advice from our Jefferson dental team on how you can protect your smile from harm!

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Sure, a portion of your routine visits are dedicated to removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, but the other portion is dedicated to something equally as important: screening for tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental damage. This ensures that our Jefferson emergency dentist can intervene with the necessary restorative care at the earliest possible stage, hopefully before any pain arises.

Note: Never put dental pain or discomfort on the backburner—visit a dentist immediately if any abnormal symptoms arise.

Maintain a Solid At-Home Oral Hygiene Regimen

Remember, not all dental emergencies are as significant as a knocked-out tooth. Sometimes, it’s something as “simple” as a persistent toothache. The best way to prevent abnormal symptoms like pain, sensitivity, and swelling from arising is by taking good care of your teeth and gums at home. That includes brushing twice a day, flossing each evening, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently.

Stick to a Well-Balanced Diet

Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, which is why we always recommend consuming soda, candy, ice cream, and the like in moderation. We also recommend filling your plate with nutrient-dense, vitamin-rich foods as much as possible since they benefit your oral and overall health. A few examples include fresh vegetables, raw nuts, and seasonal fruits. Make sure to also drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated!

Wear a Mouthguard During Sports

A knocked-out tooth is just one of many dental injuries you can sustain while participating in sports. The good news is that you can protect your teeth, tongue, and the soft tissue in your mouth with a mouthguard. We can even make a custom one for you at our Jefferson dental office to ensure it’s the appropriate size and thickness.

Note: You also need a nightguard if you grind and clench your teeth throughout the day or at night.

Quit Unhealthy Dental Habits

The negative effects of some habits, like smoking, are well known. However, it’s important to remember that even “small” things like biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, or using your teeth to open a bag of chips can result in dental damage like noticeable chips and painful cracks. So, to avoid winding up in our treatment chair for emergency treatment, quit unhealthy dental habits like these.