Emergency Dentistry Q & A
What is emergency dentistry?
Emergency dentistry at Martindale Family Dentistry is immediate, same-day dental treatment to repair a tooth or soft tissue damage related to:
- Loose or knocked-out permanent teeth
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Tongue, gum, or lip lacerations
- Objects caught between teeth
- Toothache, swelling, or abscess
When in doubt, call the Martindale Family Dentistry office to find out if you or your child’s dental problem requires emergency dentistry.
What should I do during a dental emergency?
If you experience a dental emergency, taking the proper steps can save a damaged tooth from extraction or prevent serious complications.
If you have a knocked-out permanent tooth, save the tooth and place it back in its socket until you arrive at Martindale Family Dentistry. You can also place the tooth between your gums and cheek or in some milk.
In the case of a toothache, cracked tooth, or soft tissue laceration, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to the area, and head to Martindale Family Dentistry for an evaluation.
What are my emergency dentistry treatment options?
When you arrive at Martindale Family Dentistry for emergency dental care, your provider offers pain management to get any pain under control. They review your symptoms and oral health history, examine your teeth and gums, and take dental X-rays to develop a treatment plan.
Martindale Family Dentistry offers:
Tooth extraction
If your tooth isn’t salvageable, your dentist can extract it to avoid further infection and pain. They can replace a missing tooth with a dental implant or dental bridge to keep your smile beautiful.
Object removal
If you or your child has an object stuck between teeth, your Martindale Family Dentistry provider can safely remove the object after first numbing the treatment area.
Soft tissue repair
Your dentist can repair soft tissue damage using stitches or other wound-care treatments to help your tongue, lips, gums, or cheeks heal properly.
Tooth restoration
If you have tooth decay or damage, your Martindale Family Dentistry provider offers white fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, dental implants, or dentures to repair or replace teeth and perfect your smile after a dental emergency.
How can I protect my teeth from damage?
You can’t always prevent oral health emergencies, which is why the Martindale Family Dentistry team offers quality emergency dentistry services and same-day appointments.
To reduce your risk of tooth decay or trauma, brush your teeth at least twice daily, don’t chew on hard objects, and wear a mouthguard while playing sports or when you sleep.
At the first sign of tooth pain or trauma, schedule an appointment with the dental experts at Martindale Family Dentistry by phone or online, or walk-in today.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
1. What should I do if I have a dental emergency after hours?
If a dental emergency happens outside regular office hours, call Martindale Family Dentistry right away. Our voicemail provides instructions for reaching the on-call team or seeking immediate care. If you experience severe bleeding, swelling, or trauma that affects breathing or swallowing, go directly to the nearest emergency room. We’ll coordinate follow-up dental treatment as soon as possible.
2. How much does emergency dental care cost?
The cost depends on the nature of the emergency and the treatment required. A simple filling will cost less than an extraction or root canal. Before performing any procedure, our team explains your options, expected fees, and payment arrangements. We also offer flexible financing for urgent care, ensuring that cost never delays treatment.
3. Does dental insurance cover emergencies?
Most dental insurance plans include benefits for emergency visits, especially when pain or infection is present. Coverage levels vary depending on the type of procedure, such as fillings, extractions, or crowns. Our staff can quickly verify your coverage, estimate your portion, and file claims on your behalf to streamline the process.
4. How soon can I be seen for an emergency?
We reserve time in our daily schedule for urgent cases and make every effort to provide same-day appointments. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth, lost a crown, or developed sudden swelling, contact our Griffin office as soon as possible. The earlier you’re seen, the more likely it is that we can preserve your natural tooth.
5. What are the most common dental emergencies?
Typical dental emergencies are serious toothaches, broken or fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, abscesses, and injuries to the lips, gums, or tongue. Lost fillings, crowns, or dental restorations can also require urgent attention. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, call our office. Our team will help you decide if immediate care is needed.
6. How can I protect a knocked-out tooth before reaching the dentist?
Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root. If possible, place it back into its socket and gently hold it there until you arrive. If that’s not feasible, store it in a small container of milk or saline. Avoid using tap water, as it can damage delicate tooth tissue. The best chance of saving the tooth comes from being seen within 30 – 60 minutes.
7. What can I do for a toothache before my appointment?
Wash your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove debris. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Avoid putting aspirin directly on the gums as it can irritate tissue. Call Martindale Family Dentistry promptly so we can evaluate and treat the cause of your pain.
8. Can emergency dental care prevent tooth loss?
Yes. Immediate treatment can stop infections from spreading, relieve pain, and prevent further damage. Addressing problems early, like fractures or abscesses, often makes the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Prompt attention also reduces the risk of developing more serious complications later.
9. How can I find an emergency dentist near me in Griffin, GA?
If you’re looking for urgent dental care in Griffin, Williamson, Brooks, or nearby areas, Martindale Family Dentistry offers same-day emergency appointments for both new and existing patients. Our modern facility is equipped to handle most emergencies on-site, minimizing the need for referrals or hospital visits.
What steps can I take to prevent dental emergencies?
Good oral hygiene and preventive care go a long way. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and see Dr. Mark Martindale for regular exams and cleanings. Always wear a mouthguard during contact sports or activities that could cause facial injury. Avoid chewing hard items like ice or pens, and address any dental pain early before it turns into an emergency.
