Request An Appointment
Rockwell Dentistry Hamilton New Jersey
dental emergency hamilton new jersey

Emergency Dental Care – When To Call

/ Uncategorized / By

Emergency Dental Care: When to Call and What to Do Until You See Us

Dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. Knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in the outcome, whether it’s a sudden toothache in the middle of the night, a broken tooth during a weekend meal, or an injury during a holiday sports game. At Rockwell Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can be both painful and stressful, so we’re committed to providing prompt emergency care for our patients in Hamilton and surrounding areas.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

Not all dental problems require immediate attention. Understanding the difference between urgent and non-urgent dental issues can help you make appropriate decisions about seeking care. Here are situations that generally warrant emergency dental attention:

Urgent Dental Emergencies:

  • Severe, persistent toothache that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medication
  • Knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth) – immediate action can save the tooth
  • Loose adult tooth – any mobility in permanent teeth is abnormal and concerning
  • Significant oral bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
  • Painful swelling in the mouth or facial area may indicate infection
  • Trauma to the face or mouth resulting in broken or cracked teeth
  • Lost or broken dental restorations (crowns, bridges, or fillings) that cause pain or sharp edges
  • Abscess or infection with symptoms like swelling, pain, fever, or a bad taste/odor

Non-Urgent Dental Matters:

  • Small chip in a tooth without pain or sharp edges
  • Lost filling or crown if not causing discomfort
  • Broken orthodontic appliance that isn’t causing pain or injury
  • Mild sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Food caught between teeth that can be removed with floss

When you doubt the severity of your dental issue, it’s always best to call our office. Our knowledgeable team can help determine if you need same-day emergency care or if your situation can wait for a regular appointment.

First Aid for Common Dental Emergencies

While waiting to see a dentist, these temporary measures can help manage dental emergencies:

For a Knocked-Out Tooth:

  1. Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root
  2. Gently rinse it with milk or saliva if dirty (never use soap or scrub it)
  3. Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible
  4. If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation product
  5. See a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth

For a Cracked or Broken Tooth:

  1. Rinse your mouth with warm water
  2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
  3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
  4. Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum if dental wax isn’t available

For Toothaches:

  1. Rinse with warm salt water
  2. Gently floss to remove any trapped food
  3. Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling
  4. Take pain relievers according to package directions
  5. Never place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth

For Lost Fillings or Crowns:

  1. For a lost filling, use over-the-counter dental cement as a temporary measure
  2. For a dislodged crown, try to place it back over the tooth using dental cement, denture adhesive, or toothpaste
  3. Keep the crown or filling in a safe place to bring to your appointment

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, many can be prevented with proper care and precautions:

  • Maintain regular dental checkups – Many emergencies result from untreated problems that could have been identified during routine examinations
  • Wear a mouthguard during sports or recreational activities
  • Avoid using teeth as tools to open packages, cut items, or remove bottle caps
  • Be cautious with very hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy
  • Address teeth grinding with a night guard if recommended
  • Don’t ignore warning signs like intermittent pain, sensitivity, or small chips

The Rockwell Dentistry Approach to Emergency Care

Rockwell Dentistry’s approach to dental emergencies combines technical expertise with compassionate care. Our team, led by Dr. Dawn, Dr. Alexander, and Dr. Natasha Rockwell, has extensive experience handling dental emergencies, from simple fixes to complex trauma cases.

What sets our emergency care apart:

  • Same-day appointments for true dental emergencies
  • Comprehensive care – unlike some practices that provide temporary solutions, we aim to address both immediate pain relief and the underlying problem.
  • Advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment
  • Sedation options for anxious patients or complex procedures
  • Detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing

One significant advantage of choosing Rockwell Dentistry for emergency care is our ability to provide all necessary treatments in-house. From root canals to extractions to restorations, we have the expertise and equipment to handle your emergency from start to finish without referring you elsewhere.

After-Hours Emergency Care

Dental emergencies don’t always occur during business hours. If you experience a dental emergency outside our regular office hours, call our main number at 609-890-9000. Our voicemail will provide instructions for reaching our on-call dentist for urgent situations.

For severe emergencies involving facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, go directly to the nearest emergency room. Once the immediate medical concern is addressed, we can follow up with any necessary dental treatment.

Patient Experience: Emergency Care at Rockwell Dentistry

Many of our patients have shared positive experiences about our emergency care. One recent patient, John L., noted in his Google review: “I’ve been to several other practices in the Hamilton area before finding them, and there is no comparison! In all my years as a patient, I’ve only had positive experiences here.”

This feedback reflects our commitment to making even unexpected dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Don’t Wait If You Have a Dental Emergency

Dental problems rarely resolve on their own, and delays in treatment often lead to more complex issues and additional discomfort. If you’re experiencing dental pain or have injured your teeth or mouth, please get in touch with us.

Ready to experience the Rockwell Dentistry difference? Call our Hamilton office today at 609-890-9000 to schedule your appointment, or visit https://rockwelldentistryhamilton.com/contact-us/ to request an appointment online. Our experienced dentists are committed to providing comprehensive, comfortable care for you and your family.