Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference in preserving your oral health. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or the need for an emergency extraction, having a plan in place ensures you get the care you need quickly. If you’re new to the area or haven’t thought about where to go in a dental emergency, this guide will help you prepare.

Why You Need an Emergency Dentist in Springfield, Ohio

Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. When you’re dealing with a sudden toothache or a broken tooth, waiting days for an appointment just isn’t an option. That’s why it’s important to have an emergency dentist in Springfield, Ohio, who can provide fast relief when you need it most. Finding a trusted emergency dentist ahead of time means you won’t have to scramble in the moment because you’ll already know exactly where to go.

What To Do in an Emergency

When faced with a dental emergency, staying calm is key. The best way to do that? Have a plan. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and what to do in each situation.

Severe Tooth Pain

Persistent, intense tooth pain could indicate a range of issues, whether it’s signifying an infection, a deep cavity, a lodged foreign object, or another underlying problem.

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, here’s what to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water–not too hot, not too cold.
• Gently floss to remove any food that may be stuck around the tooth.
• If needed, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
• Contact your dentist to get in for a visit as soon as possible.

Broken or Badly Cracked Tooth

A broken tooth can be painful and leave you vulnerable to infection. If you chip or break a tooth:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• If you can, save any broken pieces, rinse with warm water, and bring them with you to your dentist.
• Visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked-Out Tooth

When your tooth gets knocked out, you’re on a time constraint. The Cleveland Clinic reports your dentist will have the best chance of saving your tooth if it is returned to its socket within an hour.

If your tooth gets knocked out:

• Try to place it back into its socket immediately.
• If it won’t go in or feels forced, store it in a cup of milk (preferred) or water with a pinch of table salt.
• Get to your dentist immediately.

Emergency Dental Extraction

Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged or infected to be saved, requiring an emergency extraction. Signs that you may need an urgent tooth removal include severe pain that won’t go away, swelling around the tooth or gums, and difficulty chewing or biting down. Getting the tooth removed promptly can help prevent the spread of infection and relieve discomfort.

How to Find an Emergency Dentist

Finding a reliable emergency dentist before you need one ensures you won’t be left searching for care in a crisis. Here’s how to choose the right provider:

• Look for same-day or after-hours availability: A true emergency dentist offers flexible scheduling for urgent cases.
• Read patient reviews: Client testimonials can give you insight into the quality of care and responsiveness of a dental office so you can have peace of mind in the event of an emergency.
• Check insurance and payment options: Knowing whether a provider accepts your insurance or offers payment plans can help you make an informed decision. We at Springfield Dental Group unfortunately are not able to accept Medicaid insurance.

Plan Ahead for Your Next Dental Emergency

Don’t wait until you’re in pain to find an emergency dentist. Springfield Dental Group is here to provide fast, reliable care when you need it most. Whether you require emergency tooth extractions or urgent dental treatment, our team is ready to help.

If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, please call us at (937) 399-7721 and we will return your call within an hour.