When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect it, requiring urgent care to ensure the best outcomes for your smile. At High Street Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency dental appointments to provide you with prompt relief and save damaged teeth whenever possible. You can count on our patient-centered team for care that exceeds your expectations.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, save a tooth, treat an infection, control bleeding, or prevent further damage to your teeth, gums, or mouth. From a minor tooth chip to an abscess, or a knocked-out tooth, our experienced team at High Street Dentistry will recommend the most conservative treatment options to get your oral health back on track.

If you’re not sure whether you require emergency dental care, consider the following questions:

• Do you have severe and persistent tooth pain?
• Do you have swelling in the gums, jaw, or face?
• Do you have a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth?
• Do you have a loose, dislodged, or knocked out tooth?
• Is there a pimple-like bump on your gums?
• Do you have uncontrollable bleeding from the tongue, lips, or gums?

If you’re experiencing any of the above, you are likely experiencing a dental emergency requiring immediate attention. Contact High Street Dentistry and we’ll get you seen as soon as possible. If, however, your emergency involves severe, uncontrollable bleeding or is life threatening, please dial 911 without delay.

Care Instructions for the Most Common Dental Emergencies

The following are some common dental emergencies and care instructions to stabilize your condition before your emergency appointment:

• Severe Toothache: Prolonged or severe tooth pain is often an indicator of an infection, abscess, or other underlying problem. Rinse with warm water, tover-the-counter pain medication to relieve your discomfort, and use cold compresses to address swelling, and call our office to schedule an appointment.
• A Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Permanent Tooth: A knocked-out tooth is a time-sensitive dental emergency requiring prompt care. Pick up the tooth by its crown and return it to its socket or carry it in a container of milk or saliva and contact us for immediate care.
• A Displaced (Luxated) Tooth: Bite down on gauze or a clean cloth, placing firm but gentle pressure on the tooth to keep it in place. We may recommend a splint to stabilize the affected tooth and prevent further damage.
• Chipped or Fractured Tooth: A tooth chip or fracture can expose the inner pulp, leaving the tooth prone to infection, so it’s important to seek immediate care.. Meanwhile, place any pieces of the tooth in milk or saliva, and use cold compresses to relieve pain or swelling.
• Tooth Abscess: An inner pulp infection can cause a pimple-like bump on the gums called an abscess. Immediate care is needed to avoid serious complications, including swelling, severe pain, or the infection spreading to neighboring teeth and posing a risk to your health.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Losing a filling or crown can provide an entryway to harmful bacteria that can cause further decay or damage. Use over-the-counter dental cement to hold your restoration in place until we can see you.  
• Soft Tissue Injury: If you have bleeding from the gums, tongue, or lips, apply gentle pressure to control the bleeding. If, however, the bleeding is severe and uncontrollable, head to the nearest emergency room for prompt care.

Emergency Dental Care Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

If you or a family member experiences a dental emergency, contact High Street Dentistry at (573) 636-7432 for prompt care. Dr. Jones will recommend the most conservative solution to relieve any discomfort and restore the health and function of your smile. You can count on us for cutting-edge, compassionate emergency dental care.