Emergency Dental Care
Why It's Important
Sometimes emergency problems arise even if we stay current on our dental check ups.
When a dental emergency happens, such as an injury to a tooth, mouth or jaw, you need to see an emergency dentist right away to take care of the dental accident. Delaying treatment for a dental emergency will increase the risk of permanent damage later, possibly leading to more extensive and expensive care down the road.
Dental emergencies almost always mean you are in pain, and seeking an emergency dentist can bring much needed relief. Whether you are experiencing a broken tooth or an excruciating toothache, or have lost a tooth filling or a crown, do not postpone treatment for your dental emergency another day.
If you need urgent dental care in Lancaster, PA, call our caring emergency dentist at Smiles By Stevens right away!
Reasons for Emergency Dental Care Visits
Pain is your body’s signal that something is not right, so if you have a toothache or a sore jaw, we urge you to call us immediately to receive the dental help you need. Your comfort and safety is our concern, so we put together a list of what constitutes a dental emergency, as well as some simple steps you can take to minimize pain and discomfort before you see your emergency dentist in Lancaster Pennsylvania.
If you are not sure that your dental issue needs urgent dental care, take a look at some of the following reasons for emergency dental care visits:
1. Loss of a dental filling, crown or cap
If a dental filling falls off, seal the area with a piece of sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement. If a dental crown falls off or becomes loose, try to put it back in place with dental cement, if it won’t stay make sure to bring it with you to the dentist.
If you don’t feel pain or sensitivity, the situation may not be as critical, but make sure you call your dentist to double check.
2. Chipped, fractured or broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water thoroughly, and apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling and pain until you get to your emergency dentist. Chipped or broken teeth can cause pain due to a severe cavity or a sharp edge, so if you need immediate relief you can also try tooth ache drops and place dental wax or putty to cover the sharp edge. Save any pieces of the broken tooth if possible.
3. Tooth knocked out completely
Gently rinse off the knocked out tooth holding it by the crown without removing any pieces of tissue that may be attached. If possible, reinsert the tooth into its socket in your mouth. If not, keep the tooth in a glass of milk, which acts as a preservative per The American Dental Association recommendation, until you can get to your emergency dentist.
4. Severe toothache
First, remember that pain is a symptom of a problem and stopping the pain is not the same as fixing the actual problem. A toothache may be a sign of an infection, so before you’re able to get urgent dental care to cure the infection, try
pain relievers, such as Acetaminophen.
5. Dental abscess
An abscess can form if bacteria get inside the tooth. If you experience pain in a tooth when biting down, it might indicate an abscess and you should call your emergency dentist's office. Or, if you notice a painful, pimple-like swelling on your gums, rinse with salt water and immediately contact your emergency dentist.
Dental abscesses can lead to more serious infections and can be potentially life threatening if not treated promptly, so seek emergency dental care immediately.
A swollen face, jaw or neck glands and a fever can accompany dental abscess pain. If you are also having difficulty breathing, go to an ER right away.
Also, there could be a cancer sore, a herpes lesion, or an infected cut, and you can seek temporary relief with over the counter creams or salves for irritations in the mouth. However, even if it stops hurting, it is imperative that your dentist performs a professional evaluation because it could be something much more serious.
6. Broken or injured jaw
If you suspect you may have a broken jaw, apply ice or a cold compress to the area. Try not to move your jaw, and secure it in place with a scarf, necktie, or towel tied around the jaw and over the top of your head. Immediately call your emergency dentist or go to the emergency room.
This list of reasons to seek urgent dental care in Lancaster, PA is not all-inclusive, so if you are experiencing dental pain, bleeding and other dental issues and not sure if it is an emergency - give us a call right away so we can assist you.
The sooner you seek treatment for a dental problem, the better your chances are to fully recover and resume dental health.
Many dental emergencies can be avoided by having routine dental check ups to ensure that your mouth and teeth are healthy, strong and free from decay and other dental issues.
Wear a mouth guard during sports activities and certainly at night if you are clenching your jaw and grinding teeth during sleep to help prevent chipped, knocked out or broken teeth. Avoid chewing on ice and hard foods that may break or fracture your teeth.
Unfortunately, accidents and unforeseen things do happen, so make sure you keep the number of Dr. Stevens, your emergency dentist in Lancaster PA, with you in case you need it.
If you plan to travel out of the country or for an extended period, it is vital to see your dentist for a routine check up before you leave, as you may not have easy access to dental care while away.
Other Services Provided by Dr. Stevens
At Smiles by Stevens, Dr. Stevens performs Dental Implant Placement & Restoration, Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Tooth-Colored Fillings, Soft Tissue Laser, All Porcelain Crowns, Bridges, Root Canal, Teeth Whitening, Porcelain Veneers, Clenching/Grinding Appliances, Sleep Apnea/Snoring Solutions, Comprehensive & Preventative Care, Pediatric Care, Complete & Partial Dentures, Smile Makeovers, and Botox/Juvederm.
Expert dental and cosmetic services by Smiles By Stevens can help resolve dental issues and reduce your risk of future dental disease, improve your overall dental health, beautify your smile, improve your speech, and enhance your teeth and skin appearance.
We are also your go to Emergency Dentistry in Lancaster Pennsylvania, providing urgent dental care 24/7 for trauma, pain, avulsed teeth, tooth fractures, swelling and more.
Who is Dr. Shea Stevens?
When you choose Smiles by Stevens for your cosmetic dentistry and other Lancaster, PA dental needs, you will receive first-class care by one of Pennsylvania’s top 2
0 dentists, Dr. Stevens, who specializes in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.
Dr. Shea F. Stevens, your go-to-family dentist, cosmetic dentist and emergency dentist in Lancaster, PA, has been named PA's top 20 dentists for over 4 years in a row.
Dr. Stevens is a Summa Cum Laude graduate at West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a BS degree in Kinesiology. He was a four-year varsity soccer player for the West Chest University Rams. He found his passion for dentistry at Temple University where he graduated in the top 10% of his class and received his degree in Dental Medicine. During this time, he also received the OKU Dental Honor Society Award, Oral Surgery Honors, and AO Dental Society Award.
Dr. Stevens pursued additional education and training at New York University, upon which he completed a year-long surgical program at the prestigious Misch International Implant Institute.
The techniques and information that Dr. Stevens learned at New York University and his extensive experience have greatly contributed to him becoming an expert in the field of dentistry and a premier dentist and urgent care provider in Lancaster, PA.
Continuing to learn is important to Dr. Stevens, so he can remain a top Lancaster, PA dentist for years to come.
Trust Dr. Stevens and his dedicated staff to take care of your dental emergency in our comfortable and stress-free environment.
Dental accidents can happen at any time, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer – contact Dr. Stevens and rest assured you are in the best hands possible.
