Guidelines of national dental professional organizations, specialties, and all 50 state dental boards were examined for language pertaining to after-hours emergency care. 

Current after-hours emergency guidelines are nonspecific and open to interpretation. Variability between state guidelines likely contribute to unnecessary hospital emergency visits and increased healthcare costs, undermining the goal of establishing and maintaining dental homes.

What constitutes a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies often occur when you experience trauma to the mouth, such as when a tooth is knocked out. Other emergencies include:

  • Severe tooth pain
  • Dislodged crowns or fillings
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Abscesses or swollen gums
  • An object stuck in the teeth
  • A swollen jaw

If you have a dental problem and you’re not sure it constitutes an emergency, call the office of Piccadilly Dental Alliance anyway. The experienced staff can help you determine if you need an immediate appointment.

What should I do about a knocked-out tooth?

If a tooth is knocked out, handle it as little as possible. Rinse it if it’s dirty, but avoid touching the root. Then, if possible, place your tooth back its socket. If that’s too painful, put it in a glass of whole milk and transport it to Piccadilly Dental Alliance.

When is a broken crown or filling an emergency?

You should get broken crowns or fillings fixed as soon as possible to prevent damage to your tooth. Plus, your affected tooth will likely be very sensitive, making eating and drinking difficult. The staff at Piccadilly Dental Alliance will work to replace your crown or filling as soon as possible.

Is a chipped tooth an emergency?

In some cases, a chipped tooth can wait a few days to be repaired. However, you’re best off contacting Piccadilly Dental Alliance immediately so the dental experts can determine the severity of your situation. If you have the chip, wrap it in wet gauze and place it in a plastic bag. The longer you wait, the more your chances grow of sustaining permanent damage to your tooth.

How can I avoid a dental emergency?

You can take some simple steps to avoid a dental emergency. If you participate in sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth during falls or tackles. Don’t chew hard items, including ice and popcorn kernels, which can crack a tooth. Also, avoid using your teeth as tools to cut objects.

Our Insurance Partners

Our office accepts most major dental insurance providers. For additional questions regarding insurance, please contact our office.

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