DULUTH DENTAL SERVICES
Emergency Dental Services
What is emergency dental services?
There’s a crack, a crunch, or something even worse. You experience a moment of panic followed by, “What do I do now?!”
Dental emergencies are stressful to say the least. That’s why Chester Creek Dental is committed to getting patients in as soon as possible when they face an unexpected dental concern. Rest assured that our team is ready to help address the pain and anxiety of dental emergencies.
Emergency dental services provide immediate care for dental problems that can't wait until your next appointment.
Maybe you're experiencing severe pain or sudden swelling. Perhaps you've had an accident that damaged your teeth. Or, you bit a popcorn kernel and cracked a filling.
Emergency dental care focuses on relieving pain, stopping bleeding, saving damaged teeth, and treating infections. The goal is to address the immediate problem and then schedule a follow-up appointment if needed.
We treat dental emergencies with the same care and attention we give to all our patients. You'll receive thorough evaluation and treatment, not just a quick fix before being rushed out the door.
Symptoms That Might Indicate a Dental Emergency
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Severe Tooth Pain
Tooth pain that won't go away or only gets worse needs evaluation. This kind of pain often signals an infection or other serious problem. Don't try to tough it out, give us a call right away.
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A Knocked-Out Tooth
This is a true emergency, and every minute counts. If you can get to us within an hour, there's a good chance we can save the tooth. If the knocked out tooth is accompanied with other injuries, go to the emergency room first and call us to let us know what happened.
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A Broken Or Cracked Tooth
If you eat something or hit a tooth and notice a sharp edge or something feels different, give us a call. A broken or cracked tooth needs prompt attention, especially if the pain or break is severe. Broken or cracked teeth can run the risk of getting infected or damaged further so we’d like to fix it as soon as possible.
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Lost Fillings Or Crowns
If a crown or filling falls out, or if a tooth feels different but you’re not sure why, call your dentist. When you lose a crown or filling, your tooth is exposed and unprotected. This leaves your tooth exposed and unprotected. The tooth can become sensitive, painful, or damaged. We can replace the restoration and protect your tooth.
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Painful Or Noticeable Swelling
Sudden, painful swelling in your face or gums can be signs of a serious infection. A dental abscess can cause swelling and tooth pain, and requires immediate attention. You might also notice a bad taste, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. Your dentist can diagnose the cause of the swelling and keep the infection from spreading further.
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Severe Bleeding That Won't Stop
An injury in your mouth that won’t stop bleeding, whether it’s from a recent procedure of injury to your lips, cheeks, gums or tongue, warrants emergency dental care. We can help identify the source of the bleeding and take stops to stop it and address the underlying cause.
Why Chester Creek Dental for emergency dental care?
One of the reasons our patients have been with us for over 40 years is because of our outstanding emergency dental care. We know that when it comes to teeth, anything can happen, so we always make time for patients when they need to be seen right away or same-day.
We've handled countless dental emergencies, and we know how to work quickly and effectively while keeping you comfortable. Our calm approach helps ease your anxiety during stressful situations.
A Family Caring for Yours
We've built our practice on relationships, not transactions. When you come to us in an emergency, you'll receive the same compassionate care we'd give our own loved ones. These are people who genuinely care about your wellbeing.
Timing is Everything
We know how stressful emergencies can be so we listen to your concerns and act quickly. We prioritize getting you in as soon as possible. Even in urgent situations, we take the time to explain what's happening and what we need to do.
Your Comfort Matters to Us
Emergency dental work doesn't have to be traumatic. We use effective anesthesia and gentle techniques to minimize discomfort during treatment. We’ll also check in afterward and schedule any follow-up visits needed to complete your treatment.
FAQs about Emergency Dental Services
What should I do if a lose a tooth?
Don’t panic, but also don’t hesitate. Time is critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it's dirty, but don't scrub it. We recommend placing your tooth in cold milk and calling us immediately. The sooner we see you, the better chance we have of saving the tooth. To learn more, read this guide on what you should do if you lose a tooth.
How soon can I be seen for an emergency?
We prioritize dental emergencies and will see you as quickly as possible, often the same day. When you call, describe your situation in detail so we can determine how urgent it is. For severe emergencies, we'll get you in right away or recommend you visit the emergency department first.
Can I take pain medication before my emergency appointment?
Yes, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain until you see us. Follow the directions on the medication and make sure to avoid anything your doctor told you to. Avoid aspirin if you have bleeding, as it can make bleeding worse. Also, don't place aspirin directly on your gums, this can burn the tissue.
What should I do about severe tooth pain until I can get to your office?
There are a few things you can do to help with tooth pain:
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
Apply a cold compress to your cheek if there's swelling.
Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.
Don't chew on the painful side.
As soon as you notice new or worsening tooth pain, call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
What if I'm anxious about dental treatment?
We understand dental anxiety, especially during emergencies. We'll go at your pace, explain everything clearly, and make sure you're comfortable. Our calm, gentle approach has helped many anxious patients through emergency situations. It’s what many of our patients say they appreciate most about Chester Creek Dental.
Can you fix a broken tooth in one visit?
Often, yes. Many broken teeth can be repaired in a single visit if time allows. Sometimes we place a temporary restoration and schedule a follow-up for permanent repair. The exact approach depends on how severely the tooth is damaged, but we always aim to address pain and discomfort as quickly as possible.
What happens after my emergency appointment?
After your emergency appointment, we’ll provide detailed instructions for caring for the treated area at home. We may also schedule follow-up appointments as needed. Though emergencies can’t always be prevented, we can also discuss preventive measures to avoid future damage. Finally, we'll check on you to make sure you're healing well.
Providing emergency dental care with compassion.
If you’re having a dental emergency, don’t wait. Call us right away or visit an emergency room if it’s after-hours. We’re here to help you through an emergency with our experience, compassion, and attentive care.
Our Dental Office
1324 E 1st Street
Duluth, MN 55805
Hours
Monday–Friday
8am–5pm
Phone
(218) 724-1332