Dental Emergencies
Emergency Dentistry Lexington, KY
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Get fast, compassionate care to relieve pain, protect your smile, and help you feel better as soon as possible.
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DENTAL EMERGENCIES
Our Emergency Dental services
Below are a few of the urgent and emergency dental services we offer.
- Emergency Dental Care
Get the urgent care you need to protect your smile.
- Cracked Tooth Treatment
Cracked teeth? Our wonderful doctors can repair your smile!
- Dental & Oral Trauma Treatment
Compassionate, quality care when you need it most.
- Facial Trauma Treatment
If you've sustained an oral injury, acting quickly and getting treatment at our office may save your tooth.
- Tooth Extractions
If your tooth needs to be extracted, you'll be in good hands with our team.
- Oral Sedation
Do you struggle with dental anxiety? Oral sedation can provide you with the relief you need.
- Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Associated Family Dental Care offers nitrous oxide sedation to keep you calm and comfortable during your treatment.
- IV Dental Sedation
If you fear going to the dentist, IV sedation can help you remain relaxed and comfortable during your dental procedure.
- Jaw Pain Treatment
Jaw pain treatment from Associated Family Dental Care eliminates discomfort and pain caused by TMJ and other issues.
- Root Canal Therapy
Need a root canal? Our team will ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
- Wisdom Tooth Removal
Associated Family Dental Care provides comfortable, seamless wisdom tooth extractions.
Book Your Emergency Dental Consultation
Schedule yourself online or call us to get seen as soon as possible.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Can a loose tooth be saved?
Yes, you can often save a loose adult tooth if you get help right away. Do not touch or wiggle the loose tooth with your fingers or tongue. Call an emergency dentist immediately because fast treatment gives the tooth the best chance to heal.
How can I reduce swelling from a dental emergency?
Hold a cold ice pack against the outside of your face for 15 minutes at a time. Keep your head propped up on pillows when you rest. Call a dentist right away, because swelling often means you have a serious infection that needs prompt treatment.
How to prevent dental emergencies?
Brush and floss your teeth every day, and see your dentist for regular cleanings. Always wear a mouthguard when playing sports. Don't chew ice or hard candy, and fix small cavities before they become big, painful problems.
What is not a dental emergency?
A tiny chip in your tooth without pain is not an emergency. Losing a filling or crown also isn't an emergency if it doesn't hurt badly. However, you should still call the office to schedule a regular appointment soon so it doesn't get worse.
How can I find an emergency dentist?
Call your regular dental office first to see if they can fit you in, or check their voicemail for emergency steps. If they are closed, search online for a local clinic that offers same-day emergency care.
What are common causes of dental emergencies?
Emergencies often come from deep cavities, untreated infections, sports injuries, or falls. Car accidents, biting down on hard food, or broken fillings can also cause them. Regular checkups with your dentist help lower these risks.
Is facial swelling a dental emergency?
Yes, facial swelling is a dental emergency, especially if a severe infection causes it. You must call a dentist immediately. Go straight to the hospital emergency room or call 911 if the swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow.
What are examples of common senior dental emergencies?
Older adults often have dental emergencies such as cracked teeth, deep infections, or loose teeth. They can also have painful denture problems or mouth injuries from a fall. See a dentist quickly for bleeding gums or sores that won't go away.
Is a broken baby tooth an emergency?
A dentist should look at a broken baby tooth, especially if your child has pain or bleeding. Quick treatment helps stop infections. It also protects your child's mouth and keeps their future adult teeth safe.
What should I do if my child has a severe toothache?
Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water and gently use dental floss to remove any trapped food. Call a dentist as soon as possible to find out what is causing the pain. Seek immediate medical care if your child has a fever, face swelling, or trouble breathing.
Can an untreated cavity become a dental emergency?
Yes, a small cavity can become a major emergency if you don't fix it. Decay can travel deep into the tooth and cause a painful infection. Regular dental visits catch cavities before they become emergencies.
Can an emergency dentist perform a root canal?
Yes, a dentist can do a root canal to save a dying tooth. This procedure cleans out the infected tissue inside the tooth, relieves your pain, and lets you keep your natural tooth.
Is emergency dental care painful?
No, emergency dental care is meant to stop your pain, not cause it. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth before they start working. You might feel a little sore after the numbing medicine wears off.
Is sedation available for emergency dental care?
Yes, many offices offer medicine to help you relax or sleep during your visit. You can ask for laughing gas, a sedative pill, or IV sedation. Check with the office to see what sedation options they offer.
What not to do in a dental emergency?
Don't wait to get help, and don't try to fix your tooth yourself. Never put aspirin directly against your gums because it will burn them. Do not use household glue on your teeth, and do not ignore bad pain or bleeding.
Can urgent care do anything for tooth pain?
An urgent care clinic can examine your mouth and prescribe medication for pain or infection. They cannot fix your tooth or do dental work. You will still need to see a dentist to fix the real problem.
Can I go to urgent care for a dental emergency?
Yes, you can go to urgent care if you cannot reach a dentist right away. The clinic can prescribe medication to help you feel better. However, they cannot fix broken teeth or pull teeth, so you still need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
How to transport a knocked out tooth to the dentist?
Pick up the tooth by the top part, and never touch the wet root. If it's dirty, rinse it gently with water, then try to push it back into the space in your gums. If it will not stay, put the tooth in a cup of milk and see a dentist immediately.
Should I call before going to an emergency dentist?
Yes, you should always call first. Calling ahead lets the office give you quick first-aid steps over the phone. It also helps the staff prepare to see you as soon as you arrive.
What should I do if I can't reach my dentist in an emergency?
Call another local emergency dentist right away if your regular dentist does not answer. If you have severe facial swelling, a high fever, or trouble breathing, go straight to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911.
Is emergency dental care available on weekends?
Many dental offices have special weekend hours or an on-call doctor for emergencies. Call your local office to learn more about their weekend options. Their phone message will usually tell you who to call in an emergency if they are closed.
Is there financial assistance available for emergency dental care?
Yes, you can find financial help depending on your income. Some offices offer special member discounts or low-cost payment plans. Call your dental office to see which payment options they offer.
What do I do if I have a dental emergency and no money?
Call a dentist immediately even if you cannot pay anything right now. Many offices can help you find low-cost options to stop your pain.
What can an emergency dentist do to relieve pain?
Your dentist will quickly find the cause of your pain and fix it. They can fix a broken tooth, treat a gum infection, or clean out a bad tooth nerve. They can also remove a tooth if it is too damaged to save and provide many other urgent dental treatments.
Can I drive myself home after emergency dental treatment?
Yes, you can usually drive yourself home after an emergency dental procedure if the dentist only numbs your mouth. You cannot drive if you receive oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. If you receive any of these stronger medicines, you must bring a friend or family member to drive you home.
How long does an emergency dentist visit take?
Most emergency visits take between 30 minutes and two hours. The time depends on your issue and whether you need photos of your teeth. More complex treatment may require a second visit.
What to expect during an emergency dental visit?
First, your dentist will look inside your mouth and take X-ray pictures. Next, they will tell you how they can fix the problem. Finally, they will provide treatment to stop the pain and protect your teeth.
Can an emergency dentist extract a tooth?
Yes, a dentist can pull a tooth if it is too broken or sick to fix. The dentist will always try to save your natural tooth first if they can.
Does insurance typically cover dental emergencies?
Yes, most dental insurance covers emergency exams and basic care. Your plan might cover X-rays, fillings, or tooth extraction. Our office can call your insurance to check your exact costs before we start.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency, but don't have insurance?
Call an emergency dentist right away, and don't skip care. Skipping care can make the pain and the cost much worse. Most dental offices offer payment plans to help you pay over time.
How can I pay for emergency dental care without insurance?
You can pay with credit cards, debit cards, or health savings accounts. Many offices also let you pay in small monthly installments or offer dental financing programs. Call your dental office to see which payment options they accept.
What type of dental problems are considered emergencies?
Dental emergencies include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, and loose adult teeth. Broken teeth that cause pain, bad infections, heavy bleeding, and injuries to your gums are also emergencies. Fast care helps relieve pain and save your teeth.
What are the signs or symptoms of a dental emergency?
Common signs include terrible tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or a loose adult tooth. Bad swelling, heavy bleeding, and a cracked tooth that hurts are also major signs. If you have any of these problems, you should call an emergency dentist right away.
Where should I go for a dental emergency?
You should go to an emergency dentist for almost all tooth problems. You should only go to the hospital emergency room if you have a serious injury, bad bleeding, or trouble swallowing or breathing.
When should I go to the ER for tooth pain?
Go to the emergency room if your face is severely swollen or you have a high fever. You must also go to the ER if you cannot breathe well, cannot swallow, or cannot stop the bleeding. For a regular toothache without these problems, see a dentist instead.
What to do in a dental emergency?
Stay calm and call an emergency dentist right away. Follow the directions the office gives you over the phone. You can use a clean cloth to stop the bleeding, put ice on your face to reduce swelling, or save pieces of a broken tooth.
I'm having severe tooth pain - what should I do?
Call an emergency dentist as soon as possible to get help. Bad tooth pain usually means you have a deep cavity, a broken tooth, or a serious infection. Don't chew on that side of your mouth until your appointment.
What if my tooth is chipped, but doesn't hurt - do I still need to visit the dentist?
Yes, you should still see a dentist even if your chipped tooth does not hurt. A chip can weaken the tooth and leave sharp edges in your mouth. If left untreated, these sharp edges can cut your tongue or cheeks.
Is a cracked tooth an emergency?
Yes, your dentist should examine a cracked tooth promptly, even if it does not hurt right now. Cracks can grow over time and let harmful germs get inside your tooth. Seek emergency care immediately if you have a deep crack or bad pain.
Is severe tooth sensitivity an emergency?
Tooth sensitivity is not always an emergency, but you should see a dentist if the pain is very bad or does not stop. Call your office if the pain stays after you stop eating hot or cold foods. Get help quickly if you also have swelling or a cracked tooth.
Is a broken denture considered an emergency for seniors?
A broken denture is not a medical emergency, but you should fix it quickly. Broken dentures make it very hard to eat and talk. Wearing them when they are broken can also cut your gums and mouth.
My dental restoration fell off - is this an emergency?
Losing a filling, crown, dental bridge, or veneer isn't always an emergency, but you should still call your dentist promptly to get it fixed.
What should I do if my dental bridge has broken?
Contact your dental office as soon as possible to get help. Do not chew food on the broken dental bridge. Bring any broken pieces to your appointment so the dentist can examine them.
Is a broken braces bracket an emergency?
A broken bracket on your braces is usually not an emergency, but you should fix it soon. Call your orthodontist for advice if the wire hurts or pokes your mouth. Do not try to cut or fix the wire yourself.
What should I do if I lose a dental crown?
Call your dentist right away to get the crown glued back on or replaced. Do not chew food on that side of your mouth. If you still have the dental crown, wrap it up and bring it to your appointment.
Is a cracked tooth filling an emergency?
A cracked filling is not always an emergency, but you should fix it quickly. Call your dentist right away if you feel bad pain or notice a sharp edge. Fixing it quickly prevents further damage to your tooth.
What should I do if I am missing a tooth filling?
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to get the filling replaced. Do not chew food on that side of your mouth until your appointment. Keep the area clean so the tooth doesn't get hurt or start to hurt.
What can a dentist do for severe tooth pain?
Your dentist will identify the cause of your pain and explain how to fix it. They may place a filling, perform a root canal, or prescribe medication for an infection. They can also pull the tooth if it is too broken to save.
Is a cut cheek a dental emergency?
See a doctor if a cut inside your cheek is deep or keeps bleeding. You should also get help if the cut happens at the same time as a tooth injury. Small cuts usually heal on their own.
Is a cut lip a dental emergency?
A cut lip needs fast care if it bleeds heavily or will not stop bleeding when you press a clean cloth against it. Call an emergency dentist if your teeth are also loose or broken. Go to the hospital ER for deep cuts.
Is a missing tooth filling an emergency?
A lost filling is not always an emergency, but you should see a dentist soon. Without the filling, the tooth can develop a cavity or crack. Call your dentist promptly if a sharp edge is cutting your mouth or causing severe pain.
My tooth was knocked out - what should I do?
Hold the tooth by the top part and never touch the wet root. Gently rinse it with water if it is dirty. Try to push it back into the space in your gums, or keep the tooth in a cup of milk and see an emergency dentist immediately.
Is a missing dental veneer an emergency?
A missing veneer is usually not a dental emergency, but you should book an appointment as soon as possible. The exposed tooth under the veneer might feel very sensitive to hot and cold. It can also be easily damaged until you cover it again.
Are painful wisdom teeth an emergency?
Painful wisdom teeth are not always an emergency, but a dentist should evaluate them if the pain is severe. Call your dentist if the pain will not go away or if your face starts to swell. You should also get help if it becomes hard to open your mouth.
What should I do if a permanent tooth is loose and wiggly?
Contact an emergency dentist immediately to save the tooth. A loose adult tooth can be caused by a mouth injury or severe gum disease. Do not touch or wiggle the tooth with your tongue or fingers while you wait to see the doctor.
How do I know if my tooth is infected?
An infection can cause severe tooth pain, facial swelling, and bad sensitivity to hot or cold foods. You might also feel pain when biting, notice a bad taste in your mouth, or see a painful bump on your gums. Call your dentist right away if you notice these signs.
Is severe facial pain an emergency?
Yes, severe facial pain is an emergency because it often indicates a deep tooth infection or an abscess. Call an emergency dentist right away. Go to the hospital ER if you develop a high fever or cannot swallow.
Can a knocked out adult tooth be reattached?
Yes, a knocked-out permanent tooth can often be successfully reattached if you get help fast. Pick it up by the crown and don't touch the root. Put it in milk and see a dentist immediately.
How long can a knocked out tooth survive?
A knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance of survival if a dentist replants it within 30 minutes. Sometimes a tooth can still be saved if you get help within one hour, but you must see an emergency dentist immediately.
I think my jaw is broken - what should I do?
A broken jaw is a major medical emergency. Go straight to the nearest hospital emergency room. Gently hold your jaw with a soft cloth and apply ice to your face to help reduce swelling while you travel.
What should I do if I am experiencing severe jaw pain?
Call your dentist as soon as possible to find out what is causing your jaw pain. Bad jaw pain can come from a tooth infection, a cracked tooth, or TMJ problems. Go to the ER if you cannot open your mouth.
Is a tongue injury an emergency?
A tongue injury can be an emergency if the bleeding is severe or will not stop. Press a clean cloth against the area to stop the bleeding. Go to the hospital ER immediately if your tongue swells or you have trouble breathing.
Is a tooth infection an emergency?
Yes, a tooth infection is an emergency and needs treatment as soon as possible. An untreated infection can easily spread to other parts of your body and become dangerous. Contact an emergency dentist right away if you have a fever or facial swelling.
There's a painful sore on my gums, is this an emergency?
A painful bump on your gums may be a dental abscess, a serious infection. This problem requires fast care to stop the infection from spreading. Call an emergency dentist immediately, and go to the ER if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Are bleeding gums an emergency?
Bleeding gums usually aren't a dental emergency if they happen only when you brush or floss. However, heavy bleeding or bleeding that does not stop after an injury needs prompt care from an emergency dentist.
My mouth won't stop bleeding - what should I do?
Press a clean cloth or gauze against the area for 15 minutes to stop the bleeding. Go straight to the hospital emergency room if the bleeding is heavy and will not stop. Call your dentist quickly if the bleeding started after a dental visit or injury.
How long can you wait to treat a tooth infection?
Never wait to treat a tooth infection. Getting fast care from a dentist stops the pain and prevents the infection from traveling to your throat or face. Contact your dental office as soon as you notice any symptoms.
What is dry socket? Is it an emergency?
Dry socket is a painful problem that can happen after a dentist pulls a tooth. It occurs if the protective blood clot falls out of the socket before the gums heal. It is not life-threatening, but you should call your dentist promptly to stop the sharp pain.