Dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them, during dinner with family, on the playground with your kids, or even in the middle of the night. At Park Hill Dental, knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference. As your neighborhood dental care team in Shavano Park, we’re here not only when emergencies happen, but also to help you feel confident in handling them before you walk through our doors.
Here are the top five most common dental emergencies, along with the steps you can take before visiting our office, and how to take advantage of our $75 new patient emergency dentistry special.
1. Toothache or Severe Dental Pain
- What’s Happening: A sudden toothache can be a sign of an infection, cavity, abscess, or even a cracked tooth. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Something’s wrong.”
- What to Do: Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to ensure nothing is stuck between your teeth. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth, which can damage the gum tissue. If the pain persists, call Park Hill Dental immediately. We offer same-day emergency appointments to provide fast relief.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
- What’s Happening: A tooth can get knocked out from a fall, sports injury, or accident. An avulsed tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies.
- What to Do: Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root). If it’s dirty, rinse it gently, but avoid scrubbing. Try to reinsert it into the socket, if possible. If not, place it in a container of milk or saliva. Then, get to Park Hill Dental as quickly as you can, ideally within 30 minutes. The sooner we see you, the better the chances of saving the natural tooth.
3. Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth
- What’s Happening: Whether from biting into something hard or sustaining trauma to the face, a broken or cracked tooth can expose the nerve, leading to pain and risk of infection.
- What to Do: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and bring any pieces of the tooth you can find. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until we’ve had a chance to assess and restore it.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
- What’s Happening: Dental fillings and crowns don’t last forever, especially if you grind your teeth or chew sticky foods.
- What to Do: If a crown falls out, try to reattach it to the tooth using over-the-counter dental cement or toothpaste as a temporary adhesive. Avoid chewing on that side and contact us right away. We can quickly restore your tooth and prevent further damage or discomfort.
5. Dental Abscess or Swelling
- What’s Happening: An abscess is a severe infection that occurs around the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. It can cause intense pain, swelling, and fever. In a worst-case scenario, a dental abscess can even lead to more widespread health issues if left untreated.
- What to Do: Rinse with a mild saltwater solution several times a day to help draw out the infection. Above all, do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself. Seek immediate care. At Park Hill Dental, we prioritize dental infections and have the tools to treat the source, not just the symptoms.
Happily, Your North San Antonio Emergency Dentist in Shavano Park
At Park Hill Dental, we’re more than just a clinic. We’re a staple of the Shavano Park community. We understand how scary dental emergencies can be, especially for families with young children. That’s why we offer compassionate, fast, and expert emergency care tailored to every member of your family, along with an exceptional new patient special.
Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a broken crown, or a little one who’s taken a tumble, we’re just a phone call away. If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, call us anyway. We’d rather hear from you early than see a situation worsen. Save our number, know your options, and count on Park Hill Dental when it matters most.
