What to Do in a Dental Emergency: Sala Family Dentistry Offers Same Day Appointments

A dental emergency can happen at any time—whether it’s an unexpected toothache that keeps you up at night, a chipped tooth from a fall, or a crown that suddenly pops off during a meal. These moments of distress can leave you feeling unsure about what to do and where to turn for help. Luckily, Sala Family Dentistry in Reno offers same-day emergency dental appointments to ensure that you’re taken care of quickly and effectively.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common types of dental emergencies, what steps to take when they occur, and why Sala Family Dentistry is your trusted partner for urgent dental care in Reno.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can help you act quickly and ensure you get the care you need. Here are some of the most frequent dental emergencies we see at Sala Family Dentistry:

1. Severe Toothache

Toothaches can vary from mild discomfort to excruciating pain, often indicating an underlying problem, such as tooth decay, infection, or trauma. If you’re experiencing sharp or persistent pain that doesn’t go away, it’s essential to seek immediate attention. Toothaches may also be accompanied by swelling, sensitivity to temperature, or even fever, which could signal an infection that needs urgent treatment.

What to do: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate discomfort, but avoid applying aspirin directly to the gum as this can cause burns. Contact Sala Family Dentistry for a same-day appointment.

2. Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

Accidents happen, and a broken or chipped tooth can be the result of anything from a sports injury to biting down on something hard. While it may seem like a cosmetic issue at first, a damaged tooth exposes the inner layers to bacteria, which can lead to infection or further damage if left untreated.

What to do: Rinse your mouth with warm water and, if possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling. Call Sala Family Dentistry immediately to repair the tooth before more serious complications arise.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Quick action can mean the difference between saving the tooth or needing a dental implant. Teeth can be knocked out during falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or even during routine activities.

What to do: Retrieve the tooth by holding it by the crown (avoid touching the root). Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and keep it in place by gently biting down on gauze. If reinserting the tooth is not possible, store it in a container of milk or a saline solution. The best chance of saving the tooth comes if you see a dentist within an hour, so call Sala Family Dentistry right away.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Fillings and crowns are designed to protect vulnerable parts of your tooth, so when they come loose, it leaves the affected area susceptible to pain and infection. A lost filling or crown is not just a cosmetic issue—it exposes your tooth to further damage and increases the risk of decay or infection.

What to do: If a filling is lost, keep the area clean and avoid eating on that side of your mouth until you can see a dentist. For a lost crown, you can apply dental cement (available at most drugstores) to temporarily hold the crown in place. However, it’s crucial to visit Sala Family Dentistry as soon as possible to have the filling or crown properly repaired or replaced.

5. Abscessed Tooth

An abscess is a serious infection that forms at the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and even fever or pus drainage. Left untreated, an abscess can lead to systemic infections that affect other parts of the body, making it one of the most dangerous dental emergencies.

What to do: Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce pain and draw out the infection temporarily. However, you should never attempt to drain an abscess yourself—seek immediate professional help. Call Sala Family Dentistry for a same-day appointment to treat the infection and prevent further health complications.

What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, the most important thing is to stay calm and take immediate action. Here’s what you should do:

1. Assess the Situation: Determine if the issue is urgent (severe pain, trauma, or infection) or if it can wait. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and contact a dental professional.
2. Call Sala Family Dentistry: Our team is available to address your dental emergencies with same-day appointments. Explain your symptoms clearly so we can prioritize your care and provide any necessary advice before you arrive.
3. Follow Temporary Care Guidelines: While you wait to be seen, follow any self-care steps (such as applying a cold compress or storing a knocked-out tooth in milk) to minimize discomfort and protect your teeth from further damage.

Why Choose Sala Family Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?

At Sala Family Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and painful. That’s why we are committed to providing prompt, compassionate care when you need it most. Here’s why patients trust us with their urgent dental needs:

• Same-Day Appointments: We prioritize emergency cases and offer same-day appointments to get you out of pain and on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
• Experienced Team: Our skilled dentists have extensive experience handling all types of dental emergencies, from knocked-out teeth to severe infections. You can trust that you’re in expert hands.
• Advanced Technology: Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology, allowing us to diagnose and treat dental emergencies efficiently and effectively.
• Compassionate Care: We know that dental emergencies can be overwhelming, so our team is dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Don’t Wait—Get Emergency Dental Care Today

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Sala Family Dentistry in Reno is here to help with same-day appointments and expert emergency care. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache, a broken tooth, or an infection, our team is ready to restore your smile and relieve your pain.

Contact us now to schedule your emergency dental appointment. Your comfort and health are our top priority.