Emergency Dentistry in Chattanooga, TN
Dental emergencies happen to the best of us and usually at the most inopportune times. You might be enjoying a family dinner, and suddenly, a filling pops out or a tooth breaks.
Call your Chattanooga, TN, emergency dentist at Bridge Dental Care if you are in an urgent situation—or are simply overdue for a checkup and cleaning. You can also visit our dental office on Saturdays by appointment!
- How do I know if my dental emergency is urgent?
- What are some examples of non-urgent oral health concerns?
- Is a lost crown or filling a dental emergency?
- I knocked out a tooth! What should I do?
- Do you perform emergency root canals?
- How can I relieve a toothache until I see you?
- Is there a way to prevent dental emergencies?
How do I know if my dental emergency is urgent?
Several situations require an immediate call to your dentist, and these include the following:
- You have a toothache that has gone from uncomfortable to unbearable.
- You have experienced trauma and have a loose or knocked-out tooth.
- You have painful swelling in your mouth, cheek, or jaw.
- You have suffered a blow to your jaw or mouth and are experiencing pain.
All of these are signs you should contact your emergency dentist.
What are some examples of non-urgent oral health concerns?
Although uncomfortable, the following situations usually do not constitute an immediate appointment:
- A crown or filling has come out.
- Food is stuck between your teeth, and flossing and brushing can't eliminate it.
- You have a minor tooth chip.
Call us if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and we will schedule you for the next opening.
I knocked out a tooth! What should I do?
A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is a dental emergency. We have only a tiny window of time to reset the tooth into the gum and save it. Call us first to let us know what's going on.
If your accident involved injury to your jaw or face, or if you're experiencing excessive bleeding, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
As you await your appointment, please do the following:
- Hold the tooth by the crown
- Don't touch the root or any tissue that's still attached
- Keeping the root moist is critical, so place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva
- You can also try holding the tooth in the pocket between your cheek and gums until you can get to our office
- Make an appointment with a dentist ASAP
Is there a way to prevent dental emergencies?
You can't prevent all dental emergencies, of course. But the number one way to avoid most dental emergencies is by visiting your Chattanooga, TN, dentist twice yearly for examinations and teeth cleanings. These appointments ensure your dentist can identify situations before they become an emergency.
If we find a damaged filling during your routine dental exam, we can fix it before it falls out. Or, if you have a tooth susceptible to infection, then it is imperative to have it addressed ASAP.
When you see your dentist regularly, most dental issues can be detected and addressed while minor and easy to fix—before they become emergencies.
Contact your Chattanooga & East Brainerd Emergency Dentist at Bridge Dental Care to book your emergency appointment.
