A dental emergency can happen at any time — during a Saturday soccer game, at a weeknight dinner, or in the middle of the workday. Knowing what to do and which Gastonia dentist to call can save your tooth and stop your pain.
Common Dental Emergencies
Knocked-Out Tooth
This is the most time-sensitive emergency. If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), not the rootRinse it gently — don't scrub or remove attached tissueTry to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milkGet to a Gastonia dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the toothSevere Toothache
A sudden, intense toothache often signals an infection or abscess. While waiting for your appointment:
Rinse with warm salt waterTake over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen is often most effective)Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheekDon't place aspirin directly on the gum (this can burn tissue)Cracked or Broken Tooth
If you crack or break a tooth:
Rinse your mouth with warm waterApply gauze to any bleeding areasUse a cold compress to reduce swellingSave any broken pieces and bring them to your appointmentLost Filling or Crown
If a filling or crown falls out:
Keep the restoration if possibleApply dental cement or sugar-free gum as a temporary coverAvoid chewing on the affected sideSchedule an appointment as soon as possibleWhich Gastonia Dentists Handle Emergencies?
Several Gastonia dental practices accommodate emergency patients. Our top-rated practices that offer emergency care include:
Cooper Family Dentistry — Call (704) 865-0490. They reserve time for emergency patients and have experience handling all types of dental emergencies.Stover Family Dentistry — Offers emergency dentistry servicesOther practices — Call your regular Gastonia dentist first; most will try to see emergency patients the same dayPreventing Dental Emergencies
While you can't prevent all emergencies, these steps reduce your risk:
Wear a mouthguard during sportsDon't use your teeth as tools (opening bottles, tearing packages)Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernelsMaintain regular dental checkups to catch problems earlyWhen to Go to the Emergency Room
Head to the ER if you experience:
Uncontrollable bleeding that doesn't stop after 15 minutes of pressureFacial swelling that's affecting your breathing or swallowingA broken jawSevere trauma to the face or mouthFor most other dental emergencies, your Gastonia dentist is the best resource. Keep your dentist's phone number saved in your phone so you're prepared if an emergency arises.