Emergency Treatment

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires prompt attention to relieve severe pain, stop uncontrolled bleeding, or prevent the spread of infection. Common emergencies include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, deep fractures, and rapidly increasing swelling that affects breathing or swallowing. If you are unsure whether a problem is urgent, calling our office for guidance can help you decide the appropriate next steps.

At the office of Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry we prioritize urgent concerns with calm triage and focused treatment to protect your overall health and preserve teeth when possible. Early evaluation often improves outcomes and can reduce the need for more invasive procedures later. If symptoms include high fever, difficulty breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding, seek emergency medical care immediately and then notify our office for dental follow-up as appropriate.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown only and avoid touching the root to reduce damage to the ligament cells that support re-implantation. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water for no more than 10 seconds and, if possible, try to place it back into the socket; otherwise store it in milk, saliva, or a tooth-preservation solution and arrive at the dentist as quickly as possible. Time is critical for successful re-implantation, so aim to reach care within one hour when feasible.

If you cannot reinsert the tooth, keep the tooth moist and come directly to the office for assessment and potential re-implantation. Bring any tooth fragments or parts of restorations with you, and be prepared to describe the circumstances of the injury. Our team will evaluate the socket, stabilize the tooth if re-implantation is possible, and outline follow-up care to support healing.

To manage severe tooth pain, over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation; always follow package directions and disclose any medications or allergies when you arrive. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for short intervals can reduce swelling and relieve pain, while gentle rinsing with warm salt water can help cleanse the area and loosen debris. Avoid placing aspirin or topical anesthetics directly on gums or exposed nerve tissue, as these can cause irritation.

If swelling is rapidly increasing, accompanied by fever, or affects breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately before contacting the dental office. Persistent or worsening symptoms warrant prompt professional evaluation to rule out spreading infection. When you arrive, the clinical team will prioritize pain control and assess whether antibiotics, drainage, or other urgent interventions are needed.

Many cracked or fractured teeth can be saved with timely, appropriate treatment, but the prognosis depends on the location and extent of the fracture. Minor enamel cracks or small chips are often repairable with bonding or a crown, while deeper fractures that extend into the pulp may require root canal therapy followed by restoration. Vertical root fractures or severe splits that compromise the structural integrity of the tooth may not be salvageable and could require extraction.

During an emergency visit we perform a focused evaluation, which may include digital radiographs or intraoral imaging, to map the fracture and determine the best immediate and long-term options. If saving the tooth is feasible, we stabilize sensitive areas, control pain, and plan definitive restoration to restore function and protect against further damage. Clear communication about prognosis and next steps helps you make informed decisions about treatment.

Dental infections and abscesses are prioritized to control pain and limit the spread of bacteria to surrounding tissues or systemic circulation. Treatment typically begins with drainage when indicated, localized cleaning, and prescription of antibiotics in cases with systemic signs or rapid spread; pain control and temporary stabilization of the offending tooth may also be provided. Root canal therapy is often the definitive treatment for infections originating in the tooth pulp, while extraction may be necessary in non-restorable cases.

We use diagnostic imaging to assess the extent of infection and to guide immediate care decisions, balancing urgent intervention with long-term restorative planning. Follow-up visits are scheduled to complete root canal therapy, place permanent restorations, or proceed with replacement options when a tooth cannot be saved. Timely care reduces the risk of complications and expedites return to normal function.

An emergency extraction may be necessary when a tooth is severely fractured, extensively decayed, or associated with an infection that threatens nearby tissues or overall health. Extractions are also considered when a tooth is non-restorable, when it causes uncontrollable pain, or when it contributes to spreading infection despite conservative measures. The decision to extract is based on clinical evaluation, imaging, and the goal of protecting the patient’s health while preserving function when possible.

When extraction is performed for urgent reasons, we discuss immediate post-extraction care, pain management, and options for replacing the missing tooth when appropriate. Careful coordination of follow-up restorative planning ensures you understand how the extraction affects chewing, esthetics, and long-term oral health. Our team provides instructions to support healing and minimize the risk of complications such as dry socket or persistent infection.

Bring any displaced teeth or fragments, details about the incident, and a list of current medications and allergies to help the clinical team make safe decisions quickly. If you have recent dental records or x-rays from another office, those can be helpful but are not required; our practice uses digital radiography and intraoral imaging to obtain the information needed on-site. Arrive prepared to describe symptoms, timing, and any steps you have already taken to manage the issue.

During the visit you can expect a focused medical history review, a clinical examination, and necessary imaging to identify the cause and extent of the problem. Initial care emphasizes stabilization, pain control, and infection management, followed by a clear explanation of recommended next steps for definitive treatment. We also provide written and verbal aftercare instructions to support recovery once you leave the office.

Rapid, accurate diagnosis combines a targeted clinical exam with advanced imaging tools such as digital radiographs, intraoral cameras, and CBCT scans when indicated to view roots, bone, and surrounding structures. These diagnostic resources reduce guesswork and allow clinicians to pinpoint the source of pain or swelling, identify fractures, and evaluate the extent of infection. A careful review of medical history and symptom progression further informs safe, effective emergency care decisions.

Efficient diagnosis enables immediate stabilization measures such as temporary restorations, splinting, drainage, or initiation of root canal therapy when appropriate. Clear communication about findings and treatment rationale helps you understand the plan and expected outcomes. Coordinated follow-up ensures urgent care transitions into definitive restorative work smoothly.

Preventing dental emergencies starts with routine dental care, including regular exams and professional cleanings to identify and treat decay or structural problems before they become urgent. Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard during contact sports and using a nightguard if you grind your teeth can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic fractures and wear-related failures. Promptly addressing loose or damaged restorations and monitoring wisdom teeth also lowers the chance of acute problems.

Good home care—brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, daily interdental cleaning, and avoiding hard or sticky foods—helps maintain strong teeth and gum health. We review personalized strategies during regular visits to address specific risk factors such as bruxism, previous restorations, or bite-related stress. These preventive steps, combined with timely professional intervention when issues arise, reduce the likelihood of urgent visits.

A broken or dislodged crown or denture can usually be stabilized temporarily and often repaired or re-cemented depending on the condition of the restoration and the underlying tooth. If a crown has come off, keep it in a safe container and bring it with you; we can evaluate whether it can be reattached or if an alternative restoration is needed. For broken dentures, avoid attempting home repairs with adhesives and bring the prosthesis to the office for professional assessment and repair.

In the emergency visit we prioritize protecting exposed tooth structure, controlling discomfort, and restoring function when possible with temporary measures. We discuss definitive options such as new crowns, re-fabrication of dentures, or other restorative pathways based on clinical findings. Timely professional care helps prevent further damage and restores comfort and chewing ability efficiently.