Emergency Dental Care Columbus, GA

Emergency Dental Care An Overview

If you are experiencing a dental emergency and it is during regular office hours, contact us at (706) 571-0079.

If your emergency occurs after office hours, please call the office to reach our answering service for further instructions.

We understand that dental emergency situations do arise, and our staff will strive to respond to you as quickly as possible. We set aside special times throughout the day to treat patients with emergency dental needs. If possible, please call our office early in the morning so that we can work you into our schedule.

It is important not to ignore or put off seeing a dentist in a dental emergency so you can avoid permanent or costly damage. Common dental emergencies are toothache, pain in the teeth, jaw, or gums, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, broken fillings, and swelling in the gums or mouth. In addition to emergency dental services, we provide other general dentistry services to the public in Columbus, GA.

My first visit was great! From the beginning to the end, they were very polite, answered all my questions about my procedure. Everything was quick and painless. I was searching for a dental office for my kids and I at the last minute for a dental emergency for myself and I honestly can say I am pleased! – Cherryl Davis

Emergency Dental Care FAQs

What should I do if my tooth got knocked out?

Whenever possible, retrieve the tooth. Be careful to hold the tooth by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth). If dirty, rinse the root in water – do not scrub or remove attached tissue fragments. Contact our office immediately. Knocked-out teeth have the highest survival rate if they are returned to the socket within one hour of being knocked out.

What should I do with a broken or lost filling or crown?

Do not attempt to re-glue your filling or dental crown. Contact us as soon as possible. You may take a pain reliever such as aspirin to ease discomfort.

How can I treat a toothache?

Try flossing to remove lodged food or rinsing your mouth with warm water. If there is swelling, a cold compress may be applied to the outside of the mouth or cheek. Do not apply painkillers directly to the gums or aching teeth, as they may burn the gum tissue. Contact us as soon as possible for treatment.

What should I do if I have an abscess in my mouth?

An abscess is a serious condition that spreads the infection to the rest of your body if left untreated. Call us immediately for treatment. To ease discomfort and draw the pus to the surface of the gum tissue, you can rinse with a warm saltwater solution.

How soon should I see a dentist during an emergency?

You should see a dentist as soon as possible during a dental emergency. Delaying treatment can cause the problem to worsen and may increase the risk of tooth loss. Many emergencies are easier to treat when addressed early. Prompt care can also help reduce pain and prevent complications.

Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?

Emergency rooms can provide temporary relief for severe dental pain or trauma. However, they are not equipped to provide definitive dental treatment. A dentist is needed to fix the underlying issue. Dental emergencies are best handled by an emergency dental provider.

What should I avoid doing during a dental emergency?

Avoid applying heat to a painful area, as it may worsen swelling. Do not use sharp objects to probe the tooth. Avoid delaying professional care, even if pain improves temporarily. Proper treatment prevents complications.

Can emergency dentistry save a tooth?

Emergency dentistry often makes it possible to save a damaged or infected tooth. Early treatment can prevent the need for extraction. Procedures such as root canal therapy or dental restorations are commonly used. Quick action significantly improves outcomes.

Can a broken or cracked tooth be a dental emergency?

Yes, a broken or cracked tooth can be a dental emergency, especially if it causes pain or exposes the inner layers of the tooth. Damage can allow bacteria to enter and lead to infection. Even minor cracks should be evaluated promptly. Treatment helps prevent further damage and restores tooth strength.

Are dental infections considered emergencies?

Yes, dental infections are considered emergencies because they can spread quickly. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. Untreated infections can lead to serious health complications. Emergency care helps control the infection and relieve symptoms.