Emergency Dental Care
At Princeton Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful, painful, and unpredictable. When your dental health is at risk, timely care matters. That’s why we make every effort to see emergency patients as quickly as possible and provide clear guidance when urgent situations arise.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office right away. If you need immediate attention after hours, call our emergency phone number and an on-call staff member will assist you. If you are unable to reach our office and believe the situation is life-threatening, dial 911.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving the teeth, gums, or jaw that requires prompt attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, prevent infection, or save a tooth. While some dental issues can wait for a routine appointment, others should be addressed as soon as possible.
Common dental emergencies include:
- Broken or cracked teeth
- A knocked-out (avulsed) permanent tooth
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw
- Infection or abscess
- Object stuck between teeth that cannot be removed safely
- Broken jaw or facial trauma
Severe Tooth Pain or Toothache
A severe toothache is one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency dental care. Pain may be caused by deep decay, infection, trauma, or inflammation of the tooth’s inner pulp.
In many cases, emergency treatment may involve relieving pressure or addressing infection, and follow-up care such as root canal therapy or fillings may be recommended to resolve the underlying issue.
Broken or Cracked Teeth
Teeth can crack or break due to trauma, biting down on hard objects, or existing dental weakness. Even small cracks can expose sensitive inner layers of the tooth and increase the risk of infection.
Emergency care focuses on stabilizing the tooth and relieving discomfort. Depending on the extent of damage, treatment may involve bonding, a crown, or other restorative solutions.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. If addressed quickly, there may be a chance to save the tooth.
If a tooth is knocked out:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root
- If dirty, gently rinse with water—do not scrub
- Try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist (milk or saliva)
- Contact our office immediately
Prompt emergency care significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Swelling, Infection, or Abscess
Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw may indicate an infection or abscess. Dental infections can spread quickly and should never be ignored.
Emergency treatment may involve draining the infection, prescribing medication, or addressing the source of the problem through procedures such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
Left untreated, dental infections can affect surrounding tissues and overall health.
Objects Lodged Between Teeth
When an object becomes stuck between teeth and cannot be removed with gentle flossing, forcing it out can cause damage to the teeth or gums.
Emergency dental care allows safe removal of the object and evaluation of any resulting irritation or injury.
Jaw Injuries and Facial Trauma
In cases of facial trauma or suspected broken jaw, immediate medical attention may be required. After emergency medical care, dental follow-up is often necessary to address tooth damage, alignment issues, or restorative needs.
What to Do Before You Reach Our Office
While waiting for emergency dental care:
- Rinse gently with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gums
These steps may help reduce discomfort temporarily, but they do not replace professional treatment.
Emergency Dental Care and Long-Term Treatment
Emergency dental visits often focus on stabilizing the situation and relieving pain. Once the immediate concern is addressed, follow-up care may be recommended to restore long-term function and oral health.
Depending on the emergency, this may include restorative options such as crowns, bridges, or implant restoration.
When to Seek Emergency Care vs. Routine Care
Not all dental issues require emergency treatment. Mild sensitivity, minor chips, or lost fillings without pain may be handled during a regular appointment.
If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, contacting our office allows us to guide you appropriately.
Emergency Dental Care for New and Existing Patients
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone. Whether you are an existing patient or new to our practice, we are here to help when urgent care is needed.
New patients can learn more about our practice by visiting the For New Patients page. Information for patients without insurance is available on our Don’t Have Insurance? page.
Contact Us for Emergency Dental Care
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office as soon as possible so we can help determine the next steps. Our goal is to provide prompt, compassionate care when you need it most.
To reach our office or request emergency assistance, please contact us. If you are unable to reach our office and believe the situation is life-threatening, dial 911 immediately.