Experiencing a dental emergency can be distressing, but knowing when to seek urgent care is crucial. At Excellence in Dentistry, Dr, Kendall Skinner and the team understand the importance of immediate assistance when dental crises arise. From chipped or broken teeth to sudden, severe pain, our team is dedicated to providing prompt, reliable care.

In times of dental emergencies, count on us to be your reliable ally. Our dentist is poised to tackle any discomfort or issue promptly, ensuring you get the immediate care you deserve. Don’t wait – reach out to us now for expert assistance. Your dental health is our priority, and we’re here to provide the support you need when it matters most.

Toothache

In some cases, a toothache might be a dental emergency. We consider it an emergency when it is likely an infected (abscessed) tooth. If left untreated, an infected tooth can turn deadly. Symptoms of an infected tooth include:

  • Discoloration of painful tooth
  • A sore on your gums near the tooth
  • Pus or other discharge from the tooth or gums
  • Foul smell or taste from tooth
  • Local warmth
  • Fever

If you have several of these symptoms associated with your toothache, consider it an emergency and make an appointment right away. We can remove the infection with root canal therapy, protecting your tooth and your overall health.

Objects Stuck in Teeth

If you have something stuck in your teeth and can’t get it out, that might be an emergency–it can lead to injury or infection. First try to remove the food or other object using recommended dental tools, such as dental floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.

If you can’t remove it immediately, don’t panic. If it is causing you serious pain, contact us. If not, wait several hours (potentially overnight) before trying again to remove the object (again, using only recommended dental tools). If you can’t get it out then, it’s time to contact us.

Never use metal tools or anything not designed as a dental tool to try to remove objects in teeth.

Tooth Trauma

If you took a blow to your mouth, your teeth might have suffered significant trauma, which could lead to an emergency. A minor chipped tooth is not an emergency, but if you experience significant, spontaneous pain from the chipped area, it might need emergency treatment.

You should also contact us if your tooth has been knocked loose and won’t stop wiggling. If your tooth has been knocked out, treat it with care. Don’t touch the tooth root. If it’s dirty, rinse it with water. Put it in a milk or saliva bath to preserve it until you can get care. You can even put it in your mouth. Put it back in place if it fits easily back as it should. Otherwise, put it between your cheek and gums.

Lost Restorations

Lost restorations aren’t necessarily emergencies. Small fillings can be replaced later if they come out. However, dental crowns and larger restorations need to be replaced quickly to protect the tooth. If you lose a large filling, a crown, veneer, or other large restoration, please consider this an emergency.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, many can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care. Maintaining a routine of brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can significantly reduce the risk of dental problems that could escalate into emergencies. Additionally, wearing a mouthguard during sports can protect your teeth from trauma, and avoiding hard foods that can crack or break your teeth is also advisable.

The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are vital in preventing dental emergencies. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums, identify any early signs of potential issues, and provide timely interventions. This proactive approach can often prevent conditions from escalating to a dental emergency. During these check-ups, your dentist can also provide advice on caring for your teeth to prevent common dental emergencies, such as toothaches, infections, or trauma.

Ensuring you have routine dental evaluations and adhere to your dentist’s recommendations can significantly lower your risk of experiencing a dental emergency. These visits also allow your dentist to perform professional cleanings, apply necessary preventive treatments, and offer guidance on maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home.

Why See a Dentist for Dental Emergencies in Anchorage

It’s always best to visit the dentist if you have a dental emergency. We are better equipped to handle specific situations of dental problems. That means that we are better able to preserve your teeth and give you an improved long-term outcome from your treatment.

In the emergency department, doctors are dealing with many different types of emergencies and they approach dental emergencies as simply as possible, which might mean pulling a tooth that could be saved or simply giving you antibiotics that will reduce infection but won’t cure your problem.

It’s also important to avoid stressing emergency department workers whenever possible. Across the country, healthcare workers are being stressed, and they don’t need the added difficulty of dealing with your dental problem.

Instead, take your dental problem to an Anchorage dentist who can handle it. Please call (907) 349-0022 today if you have a dental emergency and need care.