Emergency Dental Services in Broadway, VA

What Is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is the prompt treatment of dental emergencies to repair the damage, alleviate pain, and prevent further damage as much as possible. Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain, tooth loss, or broken crowns, our dentist is prepared to set your smile right again.

For emergency dentistry to be most effective, you should call Broadway Dental as soon as the emergency begins and set up an appointment with our dentist. You can contact our Broadway office at (540) 896-8151.

Our Dental Emergency Services

Various dental emergencies can occur, and our Broadway dentist provides many treatments to ensure you get the care you need. When you’re suffering from an emergency situation, we can provide:

• Root Canal Therapy
• Emergency Extractions
• Immediate Implants
• Dental Fillings
• Dental Crowns

Emergencies need to be dealt with immediately to avoid further complications or permanent damage to your smile. When you call our Broadway office, we’ll do our best to ensure you receive same-day emergency treatment.

What To Do During the First 30 Minutes of A Dental Emergency

Broken Tooth

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the cheek near the broken tooth to reduce pain and swelling. Save any broken pieces if you can find them, and try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Visit your Broadway dentist as soon as possible, since even small cracks can worsen or expose the tooth’s inner layers.

Knocked-out Tooth

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root, and avoid touching or scrubbing the root itself. If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with water or milk—don’t scrub it or use soap. Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible; if that’s not feasible, keep it moist in a container of milk, saliva, or saline. Time is critical here: get to a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Severe Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clear away any food particles or debris that might be irritating the area. Use dental floss gently to check for anything lodged between teeth. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can help with pain and swelling. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, as this can burn the tissue—take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed instead, and call a dentist promptly.

Lost Crown

If you still have the crown, clean it gently and try to slip it back over the tooth using a dab of dental cement, denture adhesive, or even toothpaste as a temporary hold—never use super glue. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth in the meantime. If the tooth underneath is sensitive, a small piece of sugar-free gum or wax over it can offer temporary protection. Contact Dr. Kneib soon to have the crown properly recemented or replaced.

Dental Abscess

Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution several times to help draw out some of the infection and soothe the area. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face if there’s swelling. Avoid applying heat, and don’t attempt to pop or drain the abscess yourself. This is a sign of a potentially serious infection, so contact a dentist right away—same-day care is important, and seek emergency care if you notice difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Soft Tissue Injury

For cuts or injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums, rinse the mouth gently with water first. Apply gentle, firm pressure with a clean piece of gauze or cloth to control any bleeding, and use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling. Most minor soft tissue injuries stop bleeding within 10–15 minutes with steady pressure. If bleeding doesn’t stop, the cut is deep, or it was caused by a dirty object, seek prompt medical or dental attention.

 

Once all immediate steps have been taken, call our dental office immediately. We reserve appointment slots daily for dental emergencies; call (540) 896-8151 and we’ll get you in today.

Preventing a Dental Emergency

When it comes to dental emergencies, prevention is the best treatment. While it’s not always possible to avoid a dental emergency, here are some steps you can take to help protect your oral health:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. If you don’t have a mouthguard, our dentist can customize one.
• Practice regular oral hygiene. It includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, and rinsing between meals.
• Avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol often inhibit your body’s ability to heal, exacerbating any oral injury you may have or may receive.
• Avoid chewing on hard things and using your teeth to open things.
• Visit Broadway Dentistry in Broadway, VA, at least once every six months for dental exams.