Emergency Dentist

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, often when you least expect them. Whether you’re dealing with extreme tooth pain, a broken tooth, or a tooth that has fallen out, knowing what to do next can make a big difference in protecting your oral health. Lewelling Dental Care is here to provide calm guidance and same-day dental treatment whenever possible, including support for patients searching for an emergency dentist open on weekends.

If you’re experiencing a weekend dental emergency, don’t panic. Stay calm, focus on protecting the affected area, and contact our office as soon as possible. Prompt care can prevent complications and help save your tooth.

If your emergency is life-threatening or involves severe trauma beyond dental care, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

In any dental emergency, follow these general steps while arranging care with a dentist:

• Stay calm and avoid unnecessary movement.
• Control bleeding using clean gauze and gentle pressure.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Avoid chewing on the affected tooth.
• Take acetaminophen for pain if needed. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can increase bleeding.
• Seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Many dental emergencies worsen if left untreated.

Seeing a dentist quickly can help prevent infection, long-term damage, and more extensive dental work.

Severe or Extreme Tooth Pain

Extreme tooth pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency dental care. Pain may be caused by:

• Infection or abscess
• A broken filling or broken crown
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• Food or debris trapped under the gumline

Until you can see a dentist, rinse your mouth gently with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10–20 minutes at a time. Avoid chewing on the painful side. Severe dental pain should never be ignored, as infections can spread quickly when left untreated.

Broken Tooth or Broken Teeth

A broken tooth can happen from an accident, sports injury, or biting down on something hard. Even small chips should be evaluated by a broken tooth dentist, as cracks can worsen over time.

If you have broken teeth:

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
• Save any broken pieces if possible.
• Apply gauze if bleeding is present.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Avoid chewing on the injured area.
• Contact our office right away for evaluation and same-day dental treatment if available.

Prompt care can often prevent further damage and restore your tooth more easily.

Knocked-Out Tooth (Tooth Fell Out)

If a tooth fell out, immediate action is critical—especially for permanent teeth. You may have only 1–2 hours for the best chance of saving the tooth.

For a Permanent (Adult) Tooth:

• Handle the tooth only by the crown (top part), not the root.
• Gently rinse it with water if dirty. Do not scrub.
• If possible, place the tooth back into the socket gently.
• If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk, saline, or saliva.
• Seek dental care immediately.

For a Child’s Baby Tooth:

Baby teeth are typically not re-implanted. Contact your dentist promptly to determine next steps and monitor healing.

Broken Crown or Broken Filling

A broken crown or broken filling can expose sensitive areas of your tooth, causing pain and increasing the risk of infection.

If you lose a filling:

• Keep the area clean.
• Use temporary dental cement or wax if available.
• Avoid chewing on that side.
• Schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

If a crown comes off:

• Save the crown if you can.
• Gently clean the inside.
• You may temporarily place it back using dental cement or toothpaste.
• Contact your dentist promptly for proper reattachment.

Ignoring a broken restoration can lead to further damage if left untreated.

Toothache and Ongoing Dental Pain

Toothaches can be caused by decay, infection, gum disease, or trauma. If you’re experiencing persistent dental pain:

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Floss gently to remove trapped debris.
• Avoid very hot or cold foods.
• Apply a cold compress for swelling.
• Contact your dentist if pain persists or worsens.

Tooth pain is often a sign of a deeper issue that requires professional care.

Gum and Soft Tissue Emergencies

Swelling, Abscess, or Infection

Swelling, pain, or a pimple-like bump on the gums may indicate an abscess. These infections should never be ignored, as they can spread rapidly if left untreated.

• Rinse gently with warm water.
• Do not attempt to drain the area yourself.
• Seek dental care immediately.

Bitten Tongue or Lip

• Clean the area gently.
• Apply pressure with gauze if bleeding.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Go to the emergency room if bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes.

When to See an Emergency Dentist vs the Emergency Room

See an emergency dentist open weekends if you have:

• Tooth pain or infection
• Broken tooth, crown, or filling
• A tooth that fell out
• Swelling related to dental issues

Go to the emergency room if:

• You have facial trauma involving broken bones
• Bleeding will not stop
• You have difficulty breathing or swallowing

Emergency Dental Care You Can Count On

Lewelling Dental Care understands that dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule. We strive to accommodate urgent visits and offer guidance during weekend dental emergency situations whenever possible. Our goal is to relieve pain, protect your oral health, and provide efficient, compassionate care when you need it most.

Prompt treatment can often prevent more complex procedures and help you return to comfort faster.

We Miss Your Smile!

If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or damage to a tooth, don’t wait. Call us or schedule an appointment at Lewelling Dental Care right away to speak with our team and find out how we can help with your emergency dental needs.