What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental concern needs the same-day attention, but some situations genuinely can’t wait. If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is urgent, it’s always better to call us so we can help you figure it out.
Common signs that you may need emergency dental care include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain.
- Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face.
- A knocked-out, cracked, or broken tooth.
- Lost fillings, crowns, or other restorations.
- Bleeding that won’t stop after an injury.
- Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or significant swelling.
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth.
Leaving these issues unaddressed can allow them to escalate into bigger problems, including the spread of infection or more complex damage to surrounding teeth. When in doubt, reach out.
Emergency Dental Services in Salt Lake City: What Happens When You Call
When you contact Highland Dental Center with an urgent concern, we move quickly. Our team will ask about your symptoms, provide guidance on what to do before you arrive, and schedule you as soon as possible.
Dr. Danny Theurer carefully evaluates each emergency patient to accurately and efficiently identify the source of the problem. In many cases, treatment can begin during your first visit to help relieve pain and stabilize the situation. We aim to make the whole experience feel as clear and manageable as possible, even when the circumstances feel anything but.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
We provide urgent care for a wide range of dental situations, including:
- Severe toothaches and persistent pressure
- Broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth
- Dental abscesses and infections
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Swollen gums or jaw pain
- Oral injuries from sports or accidents
If your situation isn’t on this list, don’t hesitate to call. We’ll let you know what we can do and how quickly we can get you in.
Sedation for Emergency Appointments
Pain and anxiety often go hand in hand during a dental emergency. If you’re dreading the appointment on top of everything else you’re already dealing with, sedation can make a real difference. We offer multiple options depending on what’s most appropriate for your situation:
- Nitrous oxide for mild relaxation
- Oral conscious sedation for moderate anxiety
- IV sedation for deeper comfort during more involved procedures
We’ll review your symptoms, health history, and comfort level before recommending anything. The goal is for you to feel safe and as at ease as possible from the moment you sit down.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
When a dental emergency strikes, the last thing you want is extra friction at the office. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping things smooth.
Before you arrive, it helps to:
- Bring a list of your current medications and any known allergies.
- Have your dental insurance information on hand.
- Be ready to describe your symptoms and when they started.
- Bring any broken tooth fragments or displaced restorations if you have them.
We accept cash, checks, major credit cards, and debit cards, and we’ll walk you through everything else once you’re here.
Why Prompt Care Matters
It’s tempting to wait and see if the pain subsides on its own. Sometimes it does, but often a dental emergency is a signal that something more serious is happening beneath the surface. An untreated abscess, for example, can spread infection to surrounding tissue. A cracked tooth left unaddressed can worsen with normal chewing until the damage becomes far more difficult to repair.
Getting evaluated quickly doesn’t just relieve pain faster; it often means simpler, less costly treatment in the long run. The sooner we can take a look, the more options we typically have available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If that’s not an option, keep it moist in milk or saliva and get to our office as quickly as you can. Time is a major factor in saving a knocked-out tooth.
Can I come in if I’m not sure it’s an emergency?
Absolutely. Call us and describe what you’re experiencing. We’ll help you determine how urgently you need to be seen and what to do in the meantime.
What if my child has a dental emergency?
We treat both adults and children for urgent dental concerns. If your child is in pain or has experienced a dental injury, give us a call right away.
Call Us When It Can’t Wait
Dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule, but our team is ready to help when one happens. If you’re in pain or dealing with an urgent dental situation, call Highland Dental Center now or request an appointment online. We’ll get you in as soon as we can and take it from there.