Having a Dental Emergency Right Now?
Do not wait. Call Westar Dental immediately at 614-568-4021. We guarantee same-day emergency appointments for patients in pain. Our office is open Monday through Friday.
A dental emergency can happen at any time — a sudden toothache during dinner, a knocked-out tooth at a weekend soccer game, or a broken crown on a business trip. Knowing how to respond in those critical first minutes can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
At Westar Dental in Westerville, OH, Dr. Hanul Oh see dental emergencies every day. This guide walks you through the most common scenarios, what to do immediately, and when to call our emergency dentistry team.
Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do
Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. With quick action, there is a good chance the tooth can be reimplanted and saved.
Step-by-Step: Knocked-Out Tooth
- Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the white part you can see in the mouth). Never touch the root.
- Rinse gently. If the tooth is dirty, hold it under lukewarm water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub, scrape, or use soap.
- Try to reinsert it. If possible, gently place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place by biting down on a clean cloth.
- If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a container of cold milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit. Do not let it dry out.
- Call us immediately. Time matters. The best outcomes occur when the tooth is reimplanted within 30 minutes.
Severe Toothache
A toothache that comes on suddenly and intensely often signals an infection, abscess, or advanced decay that has reached the nerve. This type of pain typically does not resolve on its own and requires professional treatment.
Step-by-Step: Severe Toothache
- Rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water) to help reduce inflammation and draw out minor infection.
- Floss gently around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food that may be causing pressure.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. Avoid aspirin directly on the gum tissue, as it can cause a chemical burn.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off to reduce swelling.
- Call Westar Dental to schedule a same-day emergency visit. Toothaches caused by infection can escalate quickly.
Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth
Whether caused by biting something hard, a sports injury, or an accident, a broken tooth needs prompt attention. Even a small chip can expose the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria.
Step-by-Step: Broken Tooth
- Save any pieces of the tooth if possible. Rinse them gently and store in milk.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Control bleeding by applying gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Apply a cold compress to the face near the injury to minimize swelling.
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks.
- Call our office for a same-day appointment. Treatment may range from bonding for a small chip to a crown or root canal for a more severe break.
Lost Filling or Crown
When a filling falls out or a crown comes loose, the underlying tooth is exposed and vulnerable to sensitivity, further damage, and decay.
Step-by-Step: Lost Filling or Crown
- Keep the crown if it came off in one piece. Do not try to glue it back with household adhesive.
- Apply dental cement or denture adhesive (available at pharmacies) as a temporary fix to hold the crown in place.
- For a lost filling, you can place a small piece of sugar-free gum or temporary dental filling material over the cavity as protection.
- Avoid chewing on that side and stick to soft foods until you can see the dentist.
- Schedule a visit within a day or two. While not always painful, an exposed tooth deteriorates quickly.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. It usually appears as a painful, swollen bump on the gum near the affected tooth. Abscesses are serious — if left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, head, neck, or even the bloodstream.
Step-by-Step: Dental Abscess
- Do not pop or squeeze the abscess. This can spread the infection.
- Rinse with warm salt water several times a day to draw the infection toward the surface and provide temporary relief.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
- Call Westar Dental immediately. Abscesses require professional drainage, antibiotics, and treatment of the underlying cause, which may include root canal therapy or extraction.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts, punctures, or tears to the gums, lips, tongue, or inner cheeks can bleed heavily and cause alarm. Most soft tissue injuries heal well with proper first aid.
Step-by-Step: Soft Tissue Injury
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Apply firm pressure with a clean gauze pad or damp tea bag for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the face to reduce swelling.
- If bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous pressure, go to the emergency room or call our office immediately.
Same-Day Emergency Appointments Guaranteed
At Westar Dental, no patient in pain waits. We reserve time every day for dental emergencies. If you are in pain right now, call us and we will get you in today.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room Instead?
While most dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist, there are situations where the emergency room is the right first stop:
- Uncontrolled bleeding that does not slow after 20 minutes of direct pressure
- Jaw fracture or suspected broken jaw from trauma
- Severe facial swelling that is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow
- High fever with dental pain, which may indicate a spreading infection
- Trauma to the head or face with loss of consciousness
In these cases, go to the nearest emergency room for stabilization, then follow up with Dr. Oh at Westar Dental for definitive dental treatment.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies can be avoided, many can be prevented with proactive habits:
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports and recreational activities. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist offer far better protection than store-bought options.
- Do not chew ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy. These are among the top causes of cracked and broken teeth.
- Never use your teeth as tools to open packages, tear tape, or hold objects.
- Keep up with regular dental visits. Routine exams and cleanings allow your dentist to catch weakened teeth, failing restorations, and early signs of infection before they become emergencies.
- Address problems early. A small cavity today can become a root canal emergency next month. Do not delay recommended treatment.
Why Choose Westar Dental for Emergency Care in Westerville, OH
When you are in pain, you need a dental team that responds quickly and treats effectively. Here is what sets Westar Dental apart for emergency dentistry:
- Same-day guarantee: We never turn away a patient in pain. Emergency appointments are available every day we are open.
- Advanced diagnostics: Digital X-rays and 3D imaging allow Dr. Oh to diagnose the problem accurately and plan treatment immediately.
- Sedation options: If your emergency requires extensive treatment and you experience dental anxiety, we offer IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide to keep you comfortable.
- Comprehensive care under one roof: From root canals and extractions to implants and crowns, we handle every phase of emergency treatment in our Westerville office at 845 Polaris Pkwy.
Do not wait with dental pain. Call 614-568-4021 for a same-day emergency appointment, or book online if your situation is less urgent.