What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Some dental problems can't wait for a regular appointment. Call us right away if you experience:
- Sudden or intense toothache: throbbing pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth: especially with sharp edges or sensitivity to hot and cold
- A knocked-out tooth: seeing a dentist within the first hour gives you the best chance of saving it
- A lost filling or crown: the exposed tooth is vulnerable to pain, sensitivity, and further damage
- Swelling or a dental abscess: facial swelling, a bump on the gums, or a bad taste in your mouth can signal an infection
- Bleeding that won't stop from the gums or mouth after an injury
Not sure if it's an emergency? Call us anyway. We'll help you decide over the phone whether you need to be seen right away.
Same-Day Emergency Dental Treatments in Lansdale, PA
Same-day emergency dental treatments in Lansdale, PA are available when you need urgent care. As your emergency dentist in Lansdale PA, we are equipped to treat a wide range of dental emergencies quickly and effectively to relieve pain and prevent further damage. Emergency services at our Lansdale office include:
Emergency Root Canal Therapy
Tooth pain often results from decay that has gone beyond the enamel and dentin into the pulp, where the tooth's nerves are housed. In many cases, an emergency root canal is the best option for relieving pain and saving the tooth.
While you wait: Apply ice to the outside of your jaw to reduce swelling and take ibuprofen as directed to manage the pain. Avoid applying heat, which can make swelling worse.
Chipped or Broken Teeth Repair
A chipped or broken tooth can happen from something as simple as biting into hard food or as serious as a fall or collision. Minor chips can often be repaired with cosmetic bonding, while larger breaks may need a dental crown to protect the tooth. Although we'll make every possible effort to save your natural tooth, if the damage is too extensive, we may need to remove the tooth.
While you wait: Gather any pieces that have fallen out in a clean bag or container and bring them with you. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water, take ibuprofen to ease discomfort, and avoid chewing on that side.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of saving it:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface). Never touch the root.
- Rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub it or remove any tissue.
- Try to place it back in the socket and bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist in a container of milk or between your cheek and gum.
- Call us immediately at (215) 361-2040 and get to our office as quickly as possible.
If the tooth can't be saved, we'll discuss replacement options such as dental implants or a dental bridge.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown leaves your tooth exposed and vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further damage. Until your appointment, you can use temporary dental cement from your local pharmacy to protect the area. If you still have your crown, keep it in a safe place and bring it with you. Never use super glue, and avoid chewing on that side.
Dental Abscess Treatment
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus at the root of a tooth or in the gums. Signs include throbbing pain, swelling, a bump on the gums, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth. Abscesses don't go away on their own, and the infection can spread if left untreated, so call us right away. Don't try to drain it yourself. Untreated gum disease is a common cause of dental abscesses.
Emergency Tooth Extractions
If a tooth is too severely damaged or infected to be saved, an emergency tooth extraction may be the fastest way to relieve pain and stop an infection from spreading. Our emergency dentists will carefully evaluate your situation and recommend the best treatment to relieve your pain. If a tooth needs to be removed, we'll discuss your tooth replacement options with you.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
For most dental problems, an emergency dentist is the best choice, since most emergency rooms aren't equipped to treat teeth. However, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you have facial swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a possible broken jaw, a serious facial injury, or a high fever with dental pain. Once you're stable, call our office to schedule follow-up dental care.
New Patients Welcome: No Referral Needed
You don't need to be an existing patient to receive emergency dental care at North Penn Dental Arts. We welcome new patients in pain and offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. Once your emergency is resolved, we'll recommend a comprehensive dental exam and X-rays to check your overall oral health and help prevent future emergencies.
Emergency Dental Visit Cost and Insurance
The cost of an emergency visit depends on the treatment you need. Many dental insurance plans cover emergency exams and urgent treatments, and our team will help you understand your benefits. We also offer flexible payment plans through Smile Now, Pay-Over-Time so cost doesn't stand in the way of getting out of pain.
Call North Penn Dental Arts in Lansdale Today
Call (215) 361-2040 now if you're experiencing a dental emergency, and let our team help you get out of pain fast.
