Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care
Not every dental problem is an emergency, but some should never be ignored. If you notice any of the following, call our office right away.
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain that does not go away
- A tooth that has been knocked out or is loose after an injury
- A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, especially with pain
- Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
- A pimple like bump on the gum, which may signal an infection
- A lost filling or crown that is causing pain or sensitivity
- Bleeding from the gums or mouth after an injury
- Something stuck between your teeth that you cannot remove
Emergency Treatments We Provide
Every emergency is different, so your treatment depends on what is causing the problem. Our first goal is to relieve your pain and stabilize your tooth. Depending on your needs, we may provide the following.
- Composite fillings to repair decayed or chipped teeth
- Dental bonding to repair minor chips and fractures
- Dental crowns to rebuild a broken or heavily damaged tooth
- Root canal therapy to treat an infected or inflamed nerve
- Tooth extractions when a tooth cannot be saved
- Wisdom teeth removal for painful or infected wisdom teeth
- Periodontal treatment for gum infections
If anxiety is a concern, ask about our sedation dentistry options.
From Your First Call to Relief
When you call, we move quickly and keep you informed at each stage. Our process is designed to find the cause fast and ease your discomfort. Here is what you can expect.
01
Call Our Office
Tell us what happened and how you are feeling, and our team will give you guidance right away.
02
A Quick Assessment
We ask a few questions to understand how urgent your situation is and what you should do while you wait.
03
Scheduling as Soon as Possible
We offer the earliest appointment we can, based on how urgent your situation is.
04
Exam and Digital Imaging
We examine the area and take digital X-rays, and 3D images if needed, to find the cause of the problem.
05
Treatment to Relieve Pain
We treat the immediate problem, whether that means a repair, a root canal, or an extraction, and keep you comfortable with local anesthetic.
06
A Plan for Lasting Repair
We explain any follow up care, such as a permanent crown or replacement, and schedule your next visit.
Technology That Helps Us Diagnose Quickly
In an emergency, accurate answers matter. Our digital tools help us see what is happening fast, so treatment can begin without delay. We use the following.
- Digital X-rays. Instant, high quality images that show decay, fractures, and infection.
- Digital intraoral cameras. Close up images that let you see the problem for yourself.
- Cone beam 3D imaging. Detailed views of roots, bone, and surrounding structures when a case is complex.
Learn more on our digital dentistry and dental technology pages.
Why Fast Care Makes a Difference
Dental emergencies rarely improve on their own, and waiting can make them worse. Seeing us promptly can change the outcome in important ways. Here is why acting quickly matters.
- A better chance of saving the tooth. A knocked out tooth has the best chance of survival within the first hour.
- Less pain. Treating the source of the problem brings relief sooner.
- Control of infection. Early treatment helps stop an infection from spreading to the gums, bone, and nearby teeth.
- Simpler treatment. A small problem is usually easier and less costly to fix than a large one.
- Protection for neighboring teeth. Treating a problem tooth helps protect the teeth around it.
- Peace of mind. A clear diagnosis and plan help you feel in control.
Understanding Emergency Visit Costs
Emergencies are stressful enough without worrying about cost. The cost of your visit depends on the exam, imaging, and treatment you need, and our team will explain your options before we begin whenever possible. Many dental plans cover emergency exams and treatment in part, though coverage varies. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, we are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Do Not Wait Through the Pain
If you are in pain or have injured your teeth, call us now at 603-692-2045. Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to help you get relief and protect your smile. If you are not sure whether your situation is an emergency, call us anyway and we will guide you.
Call Our Office NowFrequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
A dental emergency is any problem that involves severe pain, bleeding, swelling, infection, or injury to the teeth or mouth. Common examples include a knocked out tooth, a broken or cracked tooth, a severe toothache, a facial swelling, and a lost crown or filling that is causing pain. When you are not sure, it is best to call us, since early treatment can protect your tooth and prevent complications. Our team will tell you how urgent your situation is.
Pick up the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with water, without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot, keep it in a small container of milk, and call us right away. Getting to a dental office within the first hour gives the tooth the best chance of being saved. Do not try to put a baby tooth back in place.
We make every effort to see emergency patients as soon as we can, and we prioritize problems involving pain, swelling, and injury. Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm, and the sooner you call, the better. Please phone us instead of emailing so we can schedule you quickly. If you are injured when we are closed, call our office for instructions, and go to an emergency room for severe injuries or heavy bleeding.
Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food. A cold compress on your cheek can help with swelling, and over the counter pain relief can be used as directed on the label. Do not place aspirin on the tooth or gum. A severe toothache often signals decay or infection that needs treatment, so call us as soon as possible.
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water, save any pieces, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call us right away, since a crack can reach the nerve and lead to infection. Depending on the damage, we may repair the tooth with bonding or a filling, protect it with a crown, or recommend a root canal. In some cases, a tooth that cannot be saved will need to be removed.
Go to the emergency room first if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, a suspected broken jaw, or a serious head injury. For toothaches, broken teeth, lost fillings, and knocked out teeth, a dental office is the best place to go, since we can treat the tooth directly. If you are unsure, call us and we will help you decide.
Keep the crown or filling and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side, and do not use household glue to reattach it. A lost restoration leaves the tooth exposed to bacteria and sensitivity, so it is best to be seen quickly. We can often re-cement a crown or replace it with a new restoration, depending on the condition of the tooth.
Many dental plans cover emergency exams, X-rays, and treatment such as fillings, root canals, and extractions, though coverage levels and waiting periods vary. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit. Our team will explain your costs and options, and you can learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
