If you have a dental emergency or trauma, call Oak Grove Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 919-899-4467 for immediate professional care.
Dr. Chavala Harris provides emergency dentistry in Durham, NC, to help patients needing prompt treatment for their dental health needs. Along with her professional dental team, Dr. Harris can provide extractions, restorations, cosmetic care, relief for tooth pain, and infection treatment for the teeth and gums.
Emergency dentistry is a general dental solution that addresses symptoms of dental problems and prevents further issues.
Common Dental Emergencies We Can Address
Our office treats several dental emergencies for Durham and Oak Grove, North Carolina patients.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have just knocked out or lost a tooth, hold it by the top, or crown. You may gently rinse it in cold water and transport it to our office in a cup of cold milk. Sometimes, if a tooth is preserved like this, it can be reattached. However, if we cannot reattach the tooth, we will provide you with a single dental implant.
Broken Tooth
Has your tooth just chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken? Rinse the tooth with water and call our office. We can repair it with dental bonding or a porcelain veneer.
Tooth bonding material adheres to the tooth to blend in with its natural color. Dental veneers fully cover the front of the tooth and offer long-lasting results.
Toothaches
Do you have severe tooth pain? Contact our dental office for immediate treatment. Cavities, dental infections, or broken restorations are common causes of toothaches. Our team will help find the source of your tooth pain and the best treatment for your concerns.
Bleeding Gums
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is often marked by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. This in itself is not a dental emergency. However, if you experience excessive gum bleeding, that can signify a larger problem. Particularly if you are recovering from a dental treatment but have severe bleeding, contact our office immediately.
A bleeding socket after an extraction is normal, but not in excessive amounts. Call us for treatment.
Broken Dental Restorations
If you have just broken a dental crown, bridge, or denture, call our office for repair services. You may bring your restoration to us. However, if it cannot be repaired, we may need to provide you with a brand-new restoration. Do not try to repair your restoration on your own, as this can damage your teeth and gums.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Do you have questions for us? We can help. Read answers to common questions about emergency dentistry in Durham, NC.
What dental professionals consider a severe toothache?
A severe toothache is pain that does not go away and may get worse over time. This type of pain can be a sign of a serious problem, such as an abscessed tooth or an infection deep inside the tooth or gums. Over-the-counter pain relievers often do not help with severe tooth pain, which is why prompt care from an emergency dentist can relieve pain and prevent further damage.
Will the emergency dentist pull an infected tooth?
In an emergency, our office or any dentist should be able to remove a tooth. An extraction may be necessary if you have a severely damaged or infected tooth.
How do you handle a dental emergency?
Handling a dental emergency can feel stressful, but knowing what to do can help protect your smile. If you are in pain, bleeding, or have a broken or knocked-out tooth, contact your dentist right away for emergency care. Acting quickly can help save your tooth and prevent the problem from getting worse.
While waiting to be seen, try to stay calm and manage symptoms as best you can. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water, and use a cold compress on the outside of your face to reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on the affected side and do not place aspirin directly on your gums, as this can cause irritation.
Do all broken teeth need to be pulled?
No. Not all broken teeth need an extraction. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may recommend a filling, bonding, or a crown. However, if your tooth has damage at the gum line or is cracked, we may have to consider tooth extraction as a solution.
What can immediately alleviate tooth pain?
You can do a few things right away to help ease tooth pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and swelling when taken as directed. Applying a cold pack to the outside of your cheek near the sore tooth can also help numb the area and bring down swelling.
Some people find relief by using clove oil, which has natural numbing properties. A small amount can be gently applied to the painful area with a cotton swab for short-term relief. These methods can help temporarily, but if your tooth pain does not improve or keeps coming back, it’s important to see a dentist to find and treat the cause of the problem.
Is bleeding gum a dental emergency?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of a serious dental condition that you should not ignore. In some cases, bleeding gums may even require emergency dental treatment. Bleeding gums can indicate that you are in the early stages of gum disease. Bleeding gums may be linked to other medical conditions, such as diabetes. Ignoring your bleeding gums can lead to tooth loss. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to determine if any treatment is necessary.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you have a dental problem that needs immediate care? Have you just lost or damaged a tooth? Call Oak Grove Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for emergency dental care in Durham, NC, today at 919-899-4467. You may also request a dental appointment with our team on our website.
Feel free to ask us questions or let our team know about your current dental concerns. We are always here to help you get the answers you need.