Have you just lost a permanent tooth? Did you lose a filling or crown? Call 615 Smile Design Studio for emergency dental care at (615) 637-2878. We offer emergency dentistry services to patients in Nashville, TN, and the surrounding areas. Addressing a dental emergency is a part of preventative care and can stop the spread of infection, prevent further tooth injuries or wear, and help maintain oral health.
We will review what to do if you have a dental emergency and what we can do to help minimize pain and damage in our office. Emergency dental services are one of the general dentistry services we provide in Nashville. If you receive treatment for dental emergencies, you can potentially stop common problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Emergency Dentistry in Nashville, TN
There are several common dental emergencies that you can encounter in your everyday life. Knowing what to do at home can help prepare our team and ensure a higher success rate.
Lost Permanent Tooth
If you can, locate the lost tooth and hold it by its crown or top. Avoid touching the roots. Rinse the tooth in cool water and place it back in its socket. Gently bite down on the tooth. If you cannot place the tooth back in your mouth, transport it to us in a cup of saliva. You may also place the tooth on the side of your cheek. Keeping the tooth moist will increase the chance that we can reattach the tooth.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Have you just broken or chipped a permanent tooth? Do you have severe tooth pain? Immediately rinse your mouth with warm water. Place light pressure on the tooth with a clean cloth or gauze and apply a cold compress for swelling. Take pain medication before you visit our office. We can provide a dental crown, veneers, or bonding treatment to cover your injury and prevent further damage to your tooth.
Toothaches
Do you experience sudden, severe tooth pain? There can be many causes of toothaches, from a tooth abscess or cavity to gum disease or a dental injury. Avoid biting the teeth affected by a toothache, and take a pain reliever at home. Then, call our office, and we will find the best treatment for your pain.
Broken or Lost Restoration
Have you lost or broken a dental filling, tooth crown, dental bridge, or denture? Bring the restoration to our office if you can. Do not try to place the restoration back in your mouth, as this can damage your teeth and gums. We will examine your restoration and treat any possible damage to your mouth. Then, our team will prepare treatment to create a new custom restoration for you in our office.
Bleeding After Tooth Extraction
It is normal for an extraction site to bleed for hours after oral surgery. Placing gauze at the extraction site helps form a protective blood clot and prevents painful dry sockets. It is also customary to experience residual bleeding a day after treatment.
However, if excessive bleeding exceeds 12 hours, patients may have post-extraction bleeding (PEB). Please get in touch with our office; we can help stave off the bleeding and ensure your extraction site is healthy.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about emergency dentistry by reading answers to these commonly asked questions:
Do I need to go to the ER for tooth pain?
We recommend visiting a hospital if you have sustained physical injuries in addition to tooth damage or pain. If you cannot immediately see the dentist and need prompt treatment, the ER can help you manage your tooth pain. Otherwise, we can provide treatment if you visit our dental office and only have tooth pain or injuries.
Will I need my broken tooth extracted?
We may recommend removing a broken tooth if it is severely fractured or broken in half. If you have a break in your tooth that exposes the tooth’s nerves or a break at the gum line, we will need to remove your tooth.
Will a dentist provide pain medication for a toothache?
Yes, we often provide pain medication if you have a toothache. We will find the source of your tooth pain to find the best treatment for your needs. Then, we can address your tooth pain with prescription medication.
Is a tooth abscess an emergency?
Yes, a tooth abscess is an emergency. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a tooth infection. You may feel tooth pain and discomfort if you have a tooth abscess. When you visit our office, and we find that you have a tooth abscess, we will drain the abscess. If root canal treatment is not possible to preserve your tooth structure, we may need to remove the tooth.
What do I do if there’s an object stuck between my teeth?
If you have an object stuck between your teeth, try to remove the object with floss or a toothpick. You may also gently push the object with your tongue. If you cannot remove the object, do not use anything other than floss, a toothpick, or your tongue because you could damage your teeth or gums. Contact our dental office so we can safely remove the object for you with specialized dental tools.
What do I do if I injure my gums?
If you have a gum injury, rinse your mouth to clean your mouth first. You can rinse with salt water if you have cut your gums. Apply pressure to your wound with a clean cloth or gauze. Then, visit our office so we can examine your gums, provide medication as needed, and determine the right treatment to heal your gums. We recommend visiting the ER if you have severe bleeding or pain and have sustained other physical injuries.
Call for Dental Care Today
Do you have a dental emergency? Receive immediate dental treatment to preserve your smile. Contact 615 Smile Design Studio at (615) 637-2878. You may also schedule a dental appointment with us online if you do not have an emergency but require dental care.