Dental emergencies, just like any other, require immediate attention, but racing to your local ER probably isn’t the best idea if you’re dealing with a broken, knocked out, or extremely painful tooth. Most ERs simply don’t have the knowledge or equipment to handle these issues, but fortunately, you don’t have to travel far to find a place that does. At Beverly Farms Dental, we’re happy to accept emergency patients and can even see them on the same day that they call in, ensuring those in pain are able to get what they need as quickly as possible.
Why Choose Beverly Farms Dental for Emergency Dental Care?
Same-Day Appointments Available for Immediate Relief
Serving The Community for More Than 30 Years
Digital Technology Leads to Quicker Care
Unparalleled Experience & Qualifications
With more than 30 years of experience serving the Beverly Farms community, our team has seen its share of dental emergencies. Basically, any situation that a patient might be in, our team has already helped countless others successfully navigate it before, which is great for peace of mind. Even better, however, is the fact that our team continually invests in the latest technology, meaning we’re able to find, diagnose, and treat issues in less time than ever, meaning patients don’t have to wait to get the relief they need.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Call our office right away. The sooner you give us a call, the better chance we have of relieving your pain. We’ll get you seen as quickly as possible. Over the phone, we’ll share tips to help you manage your situation in the meantime.
See our team for an emergency exam. When you get to our office, we’ll perform an emergency exam and take X-rays as needed to identify the root cause of your problem. Our team will create a custom treatment plan to get your smile back on the right track.
Get the care you need. During your appointment, we’ll work quickly to get you the prompt relief you deserve. In some cases, you’ll need to return for additional treatments like fillings, dental crowns, root canal therapy, or even extractions.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
The teeth can become severely damaged due to a nearly endless variety of reasons, such as motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, falls at home or work…the list goes on. Nonetheless, if you or a loved one are dealing with a dental emergency, the team at Beverly Farms Dental is ready and able to help. In the meantime, here are some tips to help you manage some of the most common dental emergencies we see.
Since every dental emergency is unique, it’s impossible to provide a set price for your care until you come in
for an exam. That said, we will provide you with an estimate of the cost and answer any questions you have before
administering any restorative or cosmetic care. We’ll also explain your financing options and help you settle
on a payment plan that won’t break the bank. If you want to learn more on the topic of cost in the meantime,
then feel free to read on!
Why Every Dental Emergency is Different
As we mentioned above, there isn’t a set price for emergency dentistry. That’s because there are some
problems that can be fixed with a standard filling or prescription antibiotics, while others may need more extensive
treatments like root canal therapy or dental restorations. In fact, even two patients who visit us because of a
sharp, stabbing pain when they bite down might need two completely different treatments. Rest assured, we will
conduct a comprehensive oral exam, review all of your treatment options, and discuss the price with you at your
appointment so you aren’t left in the dark.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
If you have dental insurance, then there’s good news: our Beverly dental team accepts nearly all insurance
plans and will help you maximize your coverage to the fullest! That starts with reviewing your benefits and checking
the fine print on your plan, like if you have any waiting periods or annual maximums that need to be considered.
From there, we will see if your provider will cover the cost of the emergency exam, between 50% and 80% of the cost
of the necessary restorative services, or both. Then, we will provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket
expenses.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t let that stop you from visiting our emergency dentist! We are proud to
welcome payment plans with Wisetack, which is a third-party financier. As a result, you won’t have to pay for
the cost of your treatment plan in one lump sum. Instead, you can break up the total price into smaller, manageable
monthly chunks, often with little-to-no interest too. Signing up only takes a few minutes, and you can do so right
through our website!
How Caring For Your Smile Can Save You Money
According to The Journal of Dental Medicine, every dollar invested in preventive care can save you between
$8 and $50 on restorative and cosmetic dentistry over the years. In other words, committing to good oral hygiene
habits can benefit both your smile and your wallet! So, if you aren’t already, make sure that you are brushing
and flossing consistently, wearing a mouthguard during sports, coming in for a checkup and cleaning twice a year,
and the like.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies aren’t 100% avoidable, but there are many steps you can take to drastically lower your chances of dental disaster. Some of those include:
Visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
Practicing good oral hygiene (i.e., brushing twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing every day with an ADA-approved)
Wearing a mouthguard during physical activity
Not using your teeth as tools
Avoiding smoking or using tobacco
Dental Emergency FAQs
Do you want to know more about dental emergencies in Beverly? Our team has compiled some of the most common questions and answers about dental trauma and accidents below. At Beverly Farms Dental, we firmly believe that knowledge is power! The more you understand about dental emergencies, the better equipped you will be to handle an unexpected accident or injury. If you still have questions after reading these FAQs, do not hesitate to call our office.
Does Keeping a Knocked-Out Tooth in Milk Really Help?
If you have a tooth knocked out and you cannot place it gently back in the socket, you should definitely place it in a secure container filled with milk before making your way to an emergency dentist. Why? First, a dislodged tooth must stay moist in order to be successfully reattached. In addition, milk contains certain proteins that keep cells growing and prevent tooth roots from swelling up and bursting.
What Can I Take to Ease Dental Pain?
If you cannot get to a dentist right away, over-the-counter pain medication can offer some immediate relief until you are seen by a dental professional.
If an injury to your mouth is causing bleeding, choose acetaminophen over other options. Aspirin and ibuprofen can act as blood thinners and cause extra bleeding during a dental emergency.
In addition to taking over-the-counter painkillers, applying a heating or cooling pad over the affected area can also temporarily help ease your pain until you are able to see an emergency dentist.
What Counts as A Dental Emergency?
The term “dental emergency” covers any accident or trauma to the mouth that fractures or dislodges a tooth or causes severe and persistent pain. Examples of a dental emergency include:
Knocked-out tooth
Fractured tooth
Lacerations to the tissues inside the mouth
Loose tooth
Dental emergencies can also be caused by neglecting to practice good oral hygiene at home, which can enable cavities to form and chronic infections to develop.
Regardless of the type of dental emergency, it is always important to see a dentist right away. Otherwise, your pain could persist or get worse and more serious oral health problems could develop.
Should I Go to The ER With a Dental Emergency?
While the local emergency room is the right place to turn if you have broken an arm or suffered another medical emergency, they do not always have the tools or specialized knowledge to treat dental trauma. You should first always call an emergency dentist near you in case of a dental emergency. Often, an emergency dentist will be able to fit you in for a last-minute appointment on the very same day. If your case does indeed call for immediate attention from a medical doctor, your dentist will direct you to go to the emergency room.
Toothaches
Is my toothache a dental emergency?
There are various reasons why you might have a toothache, ranging from a minor issue or a more serious complication that needs immediate attention. These may include chips, cracks, and infections in your smile. If you have a sharp, throbbing toothache accompanied by a small bump on the gums, then visit our dental team right away.
How you should handle a toothache:
Start treating your toothache by rinsing out your mouth with water and flossing around the tooth (in case of any objects). Swishing with saltwater can also help disinfect the area and minimize swelling. Take over-the-counter pain relievers and use a cold compress to alleviate any discomfort. Contact our dental team so that we can address the root problem.
How we treat toothaches:
Your dentist will assess your oral health to identify the source of your toothache. Many cases typically require a filling or dental crown to fix. In more severe situations, periodontal therapy, root canal therapy, and even tooth extractions may be needed. We’ll be sure to provide the necessary treatment to get you back to a healthy and comfortable smile.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
While a chipped tooth isn’t always a dental emergency, leaving it untreated can make it vulnerable to further damage or bacteria. That’s why you should seek treatment from our practice within a few days of the incident.
How you should handle a chipped tooth:
Start by rinsing your mouth with water, being sure to collect any pieces of your tooth you can find. Bring these with you to your appointment, as we may be able to recement them with composite resin. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. If your tooth has sharp or jagged edges, place dental wax or even sugar-free gum on it to protect your lips and cheeks from harm. You can find dental wax at your local pharmacy.
How we treat chipped teeth:
A chipped tooth can usually be fixed with dental bonding in a single visit. But if the damage is more visible, such as on a front tooth, then you might consider opting for a more comprehensive and long-lasting solution, like porcelain veneers.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?
Cracking a tooth can often be extremely painful, and it may end up leaving your smile more susceptible to bacteria and infection. Some cracks can even be less noticeable than others, which can allow problems to develop later on. If notice that you’ve cracked a tooth, make sure to visit us for dental treatment as soon as you can.
How you should handle a cracked tooth:
Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to help clean the exposed area until you can see us. After scheduling a same-day appointment with our team, be sure to take over-the-counter pain medications as directed to alleviate any discomfort. Use a cold compress to numb the area and reduce inflammation.
How we treat cracked teeth:
The treatment for your cracked tooth will depend on the severity of the damage. Minor cases may only require dental bonding to repair the issue, whereas more serious situations could need an extraction. Covering your tooth with a dental crown is one of the best ways to resolve the problem.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Tooth sensitivity can happen for many reasons, many of which may not be urgent. Still, this could also be an indication of a serious oral health problem, such as an infection, which should not be left unchecked for too long. If you notice sensitivity that worsens or persists for longer than three days, reach out to us for an appointment.
How you should handle sensitive teeth: Try to refrain from eating or drinking anything particularly cold or hot, as this can exacerbate the sensitivity in your tooth. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and/or stick to foods that aren’t too hard or crunchy. You can also use desensitizing toothpaste to help alleviate your symptoms.
How we treat tooth sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity can occur due to issues like gum disease, weak enamel, mild damage, cavities, and an oral infection. Depending on our findings, we can provide services like fluoride treatment, fillings, and custom nightguards for Bruxism in milder situations. We can also offer periodontal and root canal therapy for more serious complications.
Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? A knocked-out tooth will need to be treated as soon as possible while it’s still viable. For the highest chance of saving it, you should see your emergency dentist within 30-60 minutes of the incident.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: Firstly, pick up your knocked-out tooth by the crown (top side) and not by the roots, as you won’t want to damage the tissue on the bottom. Rinse your mouth with saltwater to disinfect the area and alleviate discomfort. Carefully rinse the tooth off of any dirt or debris and try putting it back in its socket if you can. If this isn’t possible, you can either keep it moist by placing it between your cheek and gums or store it in a small, sealable container of saline solution or milk. Bring the tooth with you to your appointment.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: Once you’re able to see our team, we’ll evaluate your situation and determine if we can splint your tooth to a nearby healthy one for support as it heals back in place. If this isn’t viable, we may have to discuss tooth-replacement solutions, such as a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Dental crowns and fillings aren’t meant to last forever, so it isn’t much of an emergency if yours comes out. However, you don’t want to leave your natural tooth exposed to further damage or bacteria. That’s why you should visit us sooner rather than later to recement or replace your restoration.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: You might attempt to re-bond your crown to your tooth with dental cement from the local drugstore or even sugar-free gum for a temporary solution. Don’t try doing the same with a filling. If this doesn’t work, keep your restoration safe in a small container to bring with you to your appointment. Refrain from chewing on that side of your mouth until you can visit us for treatment.
How we treat lost fillings or crowns: Our team will examine your crown or tooth filling to determine if it’s viable to be recemented to your tooth. If we can’t do this, we’ll simply have to provide you with a brand-new one. We’ll also want to evaluate your mouth to see how this happened in the first place and address any underlying problems to prevent this from occurring a second time.
Is my broken denture a dental emergency? Yes, you should expect to see your emergency dentist immediately if your denture breaks. This is a problem that should be remedied as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How you should handle a broken denture: Instead of trying to use household items to fix your dentures, it is best to avoid wearing them until you can see a member of our dental team.
How we treat broken dentures: Treating a broken denture first requires that a thorough evaluation of your prosthetics occur. Based on the seriousness of the damage, we may be able to fix it with composite resin; however, if the break is severe, we may need to discuss having a new one made. There is also the option of pursuing alternative forms of tooth replacement such as a dental bridge or dental implants.
Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? Yes, a loose permanent tooth is never a good thing. Only children should expect to lose their teeth, not adults. Once permanent teeth erupt, they are to remain in place for the rest of your life, so if one is loose, you’ll want to get in right away.
How you should handle loose permanent teeth: Dealing with a loose permanent tooth at home requires some self-control. You’ll need to avoid prodding it with your tongue or finger, as this can cause it to fall out. Also, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth if at all possible.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: There are a few reasons a permanent tooth might become loose, including facial trauma, an infection, or advanced gum disease. Based on the underlying cause, we will recommend periodontal therapy (gum disease treatment), or you may need to have a tooth removed and replaced with a dental bridge, dental implant, or partial denture.
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? An injury to your soft oral tissues can be alarming, but you often do not need to seek emergency treatment. These typically heal on their own, but if the damage is severe enough, you can call to get in and receive stitches.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: You’ll want to stop the bleeding right away, so plan to use a clean washcloth or gauze to place over the wound. Within 10 minutes, the bleeding should stop. If it doesn’t, make sure to get to your local ER for immediate medical attention. You can then use a cold compress to help alleviate some of the swelling.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: Our team will determine the reason for your soft tissue injury and suggest proper treatment based on the reason for the accident. This may include a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums from damage while engaging in contact or non-contact sports.
Jaw Pain
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Yes, jaw pain is considered a dental emergency. You should see your dentist as soon as you notice the pain begins.
How you should handle jaw pain: Taking care of your jaw pain at home requires that you do not bite down or chew on anything hard or crunchy. You’ll also want to take an OTC pain reliever if you experience much discomfort.
How we treat jaw pain: We will review your mouth and jaw to determine what is causing your jaw pain. This can be teeth grinding, excessive stress, facial trauma, or even impacted wisdom teeth. Based on our findings, we will suggest a custom nightguard for bruxism or even the extraction of one or more wisdom teeth.
When something is stuck between your teeth, you will want to use warm water and dental floss to remove it. Using anything sharp like tweezers, a fork, or toothpicks can harm your soft oral tissues and teeth, resulting in a trip to the emergency dentist’s office.