Dental emergencies can occur at any hour of the day and almost always when it’s after business hours or on the weekend. Even if a dental emergency pops up when you least expect it, our Salem dentists are always prepared. Some of the most common dental emergencies we see at Paradise Dental Associates include situations related to:

• Toothaches and tooth sensitivity
• Abscessed teeth
• Swollen gums
• Traumatic injuries from falls, athletic events, car accidents, etc.
• Knocked-out, chipped, or broken teeth
• Broken dental work or dentures

What to Do if You’re Experiencing a Dental Emergency

If your family is experiencing a dental emergency, try to stay calm. Our Salem dentists are here to help make things right and get everyone out of pain as quickly as possible. The most important thing to do is contact our office immediately. We can talk you through what to do next.

In the meantime, take Motrin or ibuprofen as directed to help manage discomfort. You can also rinse with warm salt water to ease swelling and remove any debris. If your gums are swollen around a specific tooth, gently floss that area to check for food lodged between your teeth or just under the gums. A cold compress can also help ease swelling.

If You Break or Knock Out a Tooth

Gently rinse off your tooth. However, it’s best not to scrub the root surfaces (we avoid touching them altogether.) If the entire tooth is knocked out, try to place it back in its socket if possible. Then use a clean cloth or gauze to bite down on.

Broken or chipped teeth can sometimes be bonded back together. Locate the tooth fragment and keep it moist by covering it with milk, contact solution, or saline. Please bring it to our Salem dentist immediately.

For broken dental work such as crowns, store your restoration in a zip-top bag and bring it with you. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth at all costs. As for broken dentures, do not try to repair them on your own, as it can lead to additional damage to your “plate”.

Do You Need to Visit The Emergency Room?

One of the most common questions people ask is if they should go to the hospital for a toothache or dental emergency. If you have severe swelling throughout your face, bleeding that is out of control, or suspect that your jaw is broken, please go straight to the emergency room. All other dental emergencies should be treated by a dental professional, as hospitals are not equipped to treat teeth.

How to Tell if it’s an Emergency

Sometimes toothaches can leave you wondering if you need to see an emergency dentist. At Paradise Dental Associates, we recommend calling our office if you’re in pain, can’t eat, or the situation is preventing you from normal activities like going to work or school. A dental emergency can even be an embarrassing situation, like a chipped front tooth that doesn’t hurt, but you can’t help but hide.

If you are unsure about whether you should see a dentist, contact us for a professional opinion. Paradise Dental Associates will talk to you and give advice over the telephone so that your mind is at ease and you know what steps to take next.

Same-Day Dental Treatments

If you are experiencing severe pain or have a broken tooth, it’s important to see a dentist as quickly as possible. The sooner your tooth is repaired, the less likely you’ll have additional breakage, infection, or pain. We always make it a point to see you as soon as possible or offer assistance over the phone if necessary.

Our Salem dentists offer a variety of emergency treatments, including same-day CEREC dental crowns, restoring your entire tooth in one visit (rather than two.)

And if you don’t have dental insurance, we offer affordable payment options so that you can get the treatment you need when you need it. The cost of care shouldn’t stand between you and a healthy, pain-free smile. Ask our treatment coordinators about the financing plans available.

Emergency Dentist in Salem

Paradise Dental Associates can help with any type of dental emergency. All ages are welcome here at our family dental office. If you are experiencing a toothache, have a fractured tooth, or any other embarrassing situation that may prevent you from going about your everyday activities, our Salem dentists are here to help. Call us today for compassionate, timely dental care.