By Dental One Associates of Georgia
Emergency Dentist in Georgia
Dental emergencies seldom occur at a convenient time, so if you have a dental emergency, you may wonder whom to call first. Planning ahead can be a big help when you have an emergency. Make sure to have a list of your emergency dentist's number and other emergency phone numbers so that it's at hand when you need it.
Part of the stress of an emergency situation is not knowing what exactly constitutes an emergency and what can wait until regular business hours. If your emergency occurs during regular business hours, then call our Georgia office, and we'll see you as soon as possible. If you're in significant pain, don't try to be a hero and tough it out. Call our office immediately. Pain indicates a problem, and the sooner you address the problem, the better the outcome.
Do I Need an Emergency Dentist in Georgia?
If you have a severe toothache, a broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or any other issue that can potentially cause long-term damage, then you have an emergency and should call our emergency dental office without delay. The six most common dental emergencies we see are:
- Abscessed teeth
Although an abscessed tooth doesn't appear overnight, many people delay seeking treatment until they have an emergency. Don't do that. If you have an infected or decayed tooth, then schedule an appointment with your dentist to repair it. Abscessed teeth can be life-threatening, so don't delay seeking repairs until it has reached the emergency stage. - Broken tooth
No matter how careful you are, you can break a tooth. Sometimes, the tooth just breaks due to age, poor structure, or other reasons. If one of your teeth breaks, then cover it with dental wax so that you don't damage the inside of your cheek, and then make an emergency appointment at our Georgia office. - Knocked-out tooth
This is a common injury among children. A tooth that has been knocked loose or knocked out should receive immediate attention. When a knocked-out tooth is treated promptly, it can usually be restored. Rinse the tooth thoroughly, hold it by the crown, and replace it in the socket. Hold it there and call us immediately. If it's after hours, go to the nearest emergency room. - Lost or loose crown or filling
If you've lost a tooth or crown, you'll need to replace it, which can be done during regular business hours. Likewise, if your tooth or crown is loose, it can usually wait until regular business hours, but call our Georgia office to be sure. If it's outside of regular business hours, then go to the emergency room. - Orthodontic device causing pain
If you are in pain due to an orthodontic appliance that's causing pain, you should be able to wait until regular business hours. If it occurs suddenly, then call us or go to your local emergency room if it's after hours. - Severe toothache or pressure
If you develop a sudden, severe toothache, or pressure, then call us immediately. If it's after business hours, then go to the local emergency room since it can indicate that your problem should be addressed immediately.
If you're unsure whether your issue constitutes an emergency, then call our Georgia office or go to the local emergency room if it's after hours. It's better to err on the safe side than to try to endure the problem until the next day. Many dental issues aren't life-threatening, but some are and will only get worse.
What's Considered a Dental Emergency?
Any issue that's life-threatening or can cause a long-term health issue is an emergency. When you lose a tooth or a filling, you expose the root to bacteria and infection, which can eventually lead to serious diseases. It's important to protect the inside of the tooth so that you don't develop an abscess, gum disease, or any other serious dental issue.
If you have braces and have developed broken wires or brackets, call your emergency dentist without delay. Aside from the pain they'll cause, your braces won't work properly if the wires or brackets are loose, and you can cut the inside of your mouth, so don't ignore them.
Should I See an Emergency Dentist If I'm in Pain?
Pain is always an indicator of a problem, so if you're in dental pain, you should contact an emergency dentist or orthodontist.
Where Do I Find an Emergency Dentist in Georgia?
If you need an emergency dentist in Georgia, then call our office, and we'll see you as soon as possible. We'll work with you to ensure you get the emergency dental care you need as quickly as possible, and we'll also provide a plan to ensure the problem doesn't recur.
Should I Go to the ER Rather Than an Emergency Dentist?
If you're experiencing any of the following, then you should immediately go to the emergency room rather than your local dentist:
- Severe bleeding
- Severe swelling
- Sudden injury, especially to the face, head, jaw, or teeth
Any or all of these can have life-threatening implications, so you shouldn't ignore them, especially if they're accompanied by chills, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, or a fever. It's possible that in addition to treatment in the emergency room, you'll also need to schedule a dental appointment, so contact your Georgia dentist when it's feasible.
Call Us Today If You Have a Dental Emergency
Many dental emergencies can be prevented through good oral hygiene that includes regular dental exams and cleanings. Even if you have an excellent oral hygiene regimen, however, issues can arise that only your dentist can detect, so regular dental exams are essential.
If you need to schedule a dental exam, call Dental One Associates of Georgia at and let us help you. When you maintain good dental health, you'll maintain better physical health since many diseases have been linked to poor oral health. We also recommend that you schedule an oral cancer screening when you schedule your appointment.
Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you and working with you.