Emergency Dentistry – Cleveland, OH

Why Choose Us for Emergency Dentistry?

• Same-Day Appointments &
  Evening Availability
• Calming Sedation Dentistry
• Digital Technology for
  Improved Comfort & Precision

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

There are two major types of dental emergencies. One is caused by physical accidents and/or facial trauma, which can result in dental breakage, serious fractures, and even the loss of natural teeth. The other type occurs when good oral hygiene practices are neglected, leading to severe, painful infections in one or more teeth. Our team can provide valuable assistance with a wide variety of emergency situations, but here are some tips for what to do when faced with the most common issues:

Toothaches

Significant, lingering dental pain is typically caused by an advanced infection underneath the tooth enamel. It’s important to contact a trusted dentist for help right away – we can often relieve the discomfort and even rescue the tooth from extraction through root canal therapy. In the meantime, it is fine to take a painkiller like Aspirin to manage your symptoms, although it’s important to NOT place the medication directly on the oral tissue. This may cause a burning sensation.

Chipped/Broken Tooth

Facial swelling is likely after fracturing a tooth, but the use of a cold compress can help keep this symptom under control. If any large pieces of the dental structure have come loose, gather them and plan to bring them with you to our office. If the damage isn’t too severe, a dental crown can often bring back your tooth’s original strength and appearance. Alternatively, an extraction may be the only option for preserving the patient’s wellbeing and relieving their pain, although rest assured that we will always do everything in our power to keep your natural smile intact first.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth has been entirely dislodged from the mouth, stay calm. There is a very small window for successful reattachment, so don’t wait to contact Kirlough Family Dentistry. If you are able to, place the tooth gently back into its original socket and hold it there. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk to keep it moist until you’re able to reach our Cleveland office.

Lost Filling/Crown

Losing a filling or crown isn’t necessarily an urgent emergency, but the damage should still be remedied as soon as possible. If you still have the crown, you can try to slip it back over the tooth after cleaning the inside; some tooth “cement” (available in most pharmacies) or denture adhesive can help hold it in place until you’re able to see Dr. Kirlough.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While it’s not possible to avoid dental emergencies with 100% certainty, there are good ways to decrease you and your family’s odds. Here are some helpful tips:

• Remember to schedule dental checkups and cleanings every six months! These visits can often successfully prevent the small frustrations of today from becoming the outright emergencies of tomorrow.
• Limit your exposure to overly hard, chewy, or tough foods. Also, don’t bite down on the ice in your drink.
• Use scissors when opening difficult packaging and never your own teeth.
• If you play sports that involve physical contact, always wear a mouthguard! Additionally, make sure to use an oral appliance if you know that you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding).

The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies, like people, tend to be very unique in nature. Treating one may be as simple as prescribing pain medication or as serious as needing root canal therapy, extensive tooth replacement, and more. Your first step should be to schedule a dedicated appointment with Dr. Kirlough so he can assess your symptoms with digital X-rays, provide immediate relief from discomfort, and then create a confident estimate for further care.