Emergency Dentist in Westerville OH — What to Do When Dental Pain Strikes

Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A sudden toothache at dinner, a cracked tooth during a weekend soccer game, or a knocked-out tooth on a Saturday morning can leave you panicked and unsure where to turn. If you are in Westerville, OH and experiencing dental pain, here is what you need to know about getting fast, effective emergency dental care at Westar Dental.

Common Dental Emergencies

Not every dental issue requires an emergency visit, but several situations call for prompt professional attention. The most common dental emergencies we treat at Westar Dental include:

• Severe toothache: Persistent, throbbing pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers often signals an infection or abscess that needs immediate treatment.
• Knocked-out tooth: A tooth that has been completely knocked out can sometimes be saved if you act quickly and see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes.
• Cracked or broken tooth: A visible crack, sharp edge, or piece of tooth that has broken off requires prompt care to prevent further damage and infection.
• Lost filling or crown: When a restoration falls out, the exposed tooth is vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further breakage.
• Swelling in the face or gums: Swelling can indicate an abscess or serious infection that may spread if not treated promptly.
• Bleeding that will not stop: Uncontrolled bleeding after an extraction, injury, or from the gums warrants immediate evaluation.

What to Do Before You Get to the Dentist

While you are on your way to Westar Dental or waiting for your emergency appointment, these steps can help manage the situation:

• For a toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Take ibuprofen for pain and inflammation. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum tissue as this can cause a chemical burn.
• For a knocked-out tooth: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. If possible, gently place it back in the socket. If that is not feasible, store it in a cup of milk or saliva and get to our office as quickly as possible.
• For a cracked tooth: Rinse with warm water to clean the area. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on that side.
• For a lost crown or filling: If you still have the crown, try placing it back over the tooth with a small amount of toothpaste or denture adhesive as a temporary measure. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth.
• For bleeding: Apply firm pressure with clean gauze or a damp tea bag for 15 to 20 minutes. If bleeding continues after 30 minutes of sustained pressure, seek care immediately.

Same-Day Emergency Care at Westar Dental

At Westar Dental, we guarantee same-day emergency appointments because we understand that dental pain cannot wait. Here is what sets our emergency care apart:

• Same-day scheduling: Call 614-568-4021 and let our team know you have an emergency. We will fit you in the same day, often within hours.
• Extended hours: Our office at 845 Polaris Pkwy is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM.
• On-site diagnostics: Digital X-rays and 3D imaging are available on site so Dr. Hanul Oh can quickly diagnose the problem and begin treatment immediately.
• Sedation options: For patients in severe pain or with dental anxiety, IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide are all available to keep you comfortable during emergency treatment.
• Comprehensive treatment: Whether you need an extraction, root canal, crown, or simply a prescription for infection, everything can be handled under one roof without referrals.

When to Call 911 vs Your Dentist

Most dental emergencies are best handled by your dentist, but certain situations require a trip to the emergency room or a call to 911:

• Call 911 or go to the ER if: You have difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling, you have sustained a jaw fracture or serious facial injury, you are experiencing uncontrollable bleeding that does not respond to pressure, or you have a high fever with facial swelling that is spreading rapidly.
• Call your dentist if: You have a severe toothache, a cracked or broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth, a lost filling or crown, localized gum swelling, or moderate bleeding from the mouth.

When in doubt, call our office at 614-568-4021. Our team can help you determine the right course of action over the phone and get you scheduled immediately if needed. Westar Dental is located at 845 Polaris Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43082.