Emergency Dentist — Cambridge, MA

Toothaches

Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency?

A toothache in Cambridge is a symptom of a dental problem, not a dental problem itself. It can have numerous causes, ranging from the minor issues to serious conditions that threaten your long-term oral health. Here are some signs that your toothache requires prompt attention from an emergency dentist:

• The pain is interfering with your daily life.
• The pain is severe and throbbing.
• There is a pimple-like bump on your gums.
• A tooth is darker than the ones around it.
• There is visible damage to a tooth.

How You Should Handle a Toothache

Clean your mouth by rinsing it with warm water. If something is stuck between your teeth, dental floss may be able to remove it. You can take painkillers, but do not place aspirin directly on your teeth or gums. If there is a pimple-like bump on your gums, do not attempt to pop it.

How We Treat Toothaches

After we determine the probable cause of the pain, we will recommend a treatment. You might need something as simple as a filling or prescription mouthwash. It is also possible that you will need gum disease therapy or root canal therapy. If the damage to the tooth is severe, we may have to extract it.

Chipped Tooth

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

In most cases, a chipped tooth does not require the attention of an emergency dentist in Cambridge. However, because the damage could easily worsen, you should still seek treatment as soon as you reasonably can.

How You Should Handle a Chipped Tooth

Rinsing your mouth with warm water can clean the area, and a cold compress may minimize swelling. If the tooth’s rough edges are irritating your tongue or cheek, you can place some sugar-free gum over them.

How We Treat Chipped Teeth

We may be able to repair the chip with dental bonding. The procedure is quick and comfortable, and it provides natural-looking results. However, bonding tends to last for just a few years. If you are interested in a more durable solution, we might recommend that you opt for a veneer instead. A veneer is made out of high-quality porcelain and can last for well over a decade.

Cracked Tooth

Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A cracked tooth in Cambridge may or may not be a dental emergency; it depends on how severe the damage is. Bear in mind that not all cracks are visible. You might have one between your teeth or beneath your gumline. Anytime you suspect that a tooth is damaged, you should give your dentist a call.

How You Should Handle a Cracked Tooth

Clean your mouth by gently rinsing with warm water. If there is swelling, use a cold compress to minimize it. Do your best to avoid any activities that might worsen the damage to the tooth, such as eating hard foods.

How We Treat Cracked Teeth

In many cases, we are able to repair a crack with tooth-colored resin (dental bonding). If the damage is more severe, however, you might require root canal therapy and a crown. It is even possible that we will have to extract the tooth altogether.

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency?

Sensitivity occurs when outside stimuli irritate the inner layers of a tooth. This can occur for several reasons, from worn tooth enamel to severe dental damage. Any new or worsening sensitivity is a reason to call your emergency dentist in Cambridge.

How You Should Handle Sensitive Teeth

When you call us, we will provide you with guidance on your next steps. We might advise you to come in for an appointment immediately, or we might give you tips on at-home care. For example, we might suggest that you use a desensitizing toothpaste or that you cut back on sweet, spicy, and acidic foods.

How We Treat Tooth Sensitivity

The best treatment for sensitivity depends on the cause of the problem. In some cases, something as simple as a topical fluoride treatment or prescription mouthwash is all that is necessary. In other cases, root canal therapy, gum disease treatment, or another complex procedure is the best course of action.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is a Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A lost tooth in Cambridge is one of the most urgent dental emergencies! To increase the chances that the tooth can be saved, you should receive treatment within an hour or so of losing it.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

Being careful to touch the tooth only by its top part (the crown), rinse off any debris. Then, try to replace it in its socket or put it between your cheek and gums. The important thing is to keep it moist, so if placing it in your mouth is not possible, you can use milk or a tooth preservation kit from a local pharmacy. However, you should not store it in water or in any acidic beverages because they might harm the tooth.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth

If we determine that the tooth is still viable, we may be able to splint it back into its socket. Over time, your body should reintegrate it. However, if saving the tooth is not possible, we will just tend to the damage to your oral tissues and talk to you about your tooth replacement options. You may qualify for a dental implant, fixed bridge, or partial denture.

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency?

Dental restorations are not meant to last forever, but it can still be startling when you have to deal with a lost filling or lost dental crown in Cambridge. Your exposed tooth is vulnerable to further damage, decay, and infection, so you should seek treatment promptly.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown

In some cases, it is possible to temporarily reattach a lost filling or crown with a dab of toothpaste or dental cement. If your restoration does not want to fit, do not try to force it. Instead, store it in a small container with a lid and bring it with you to your dental appointment.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns

If the restoration is still in good shape, we may be able to recement it onto your tooth. However, it is possible that you will need an entirely new filling or crown. In some cases, we even have to perform further treatments for a tooth that has suffered further damage since it first received a restoration.

Broken Denture

Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?

A broken denture in Cambridge could irritate your mouth, but not wearing a denture at all could be a big inconvenience. You should see your dentist as soon as possible.

How to Handle a Broken Denture

Do not try to repair the denture on your own; you might accidentally cause further damage. You should also not try to wear the damaged prosthetic. Instead, store the denture in a safe container and bring it with you to your appointment.

How We Treat Broken Dentures

In some cases, we are able to repair a broken denture in-house. Most of the time, though, it is necessary to design a whole new prosthetic. If the latter is true in your case, you might take the opportunity to upgrade to implant-supported tooth replacement.

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A loose tooth in Cambridge is in danger of falling out altogether. Even if it does not hurt, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.

How You Should Handle a Loose Permanent Tooth

Do not do anything that could cause the tooth to become even looser. For example, you should not wiggle it with your fingers or tongue. You should also avoid using it to chew.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth

We might be able to save the tooth by splinting it back into place. If that is not possible, we may have to extract it and consider your options for tooth replacement.

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency?

Soft tissue injuries in the mouth can bleed quite a bit, but they are not always serious. You may or may not need the help of an emergency dentist in Cambridge.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Rinse the cut with water to wash away debris. Then, apply pressure with a clean washcloth or piece of gauze. If the bleeding is severe or has not stopped after 20 minutes, head to the local emergency room.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

We may clean the wound and stitch it closed. If the injury occurred during sports, we might recommend that you invest in a custom mouthguard to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency?

Jaw pain can have numerous causes, ranging from mild problems to severe injuries. If your discomfort is interfering with your everyday life, you should certainly seek treatment.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain

If you suspect that your jaw is dislocated or broken, head to the local emergency room. Otherwise, give our office a call and describe what you are feeling. We may give you tips for at-home care or recommend that you come in for an appointment as soon as possible.

How We Treat Jaw Pain

You might need something simple, like a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding. It is also possible that you will require TMJ therapy or wisdom tooth extractions. We will only be able to recommend a treatment after we have had a chance to examine you.

Learn More About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

You might be tempted to use something sharp, like a knife or tweezers, to poke the object out from between your teeth. However, you might accidentally injure yourself. It would be better to try other methods. For example, you can swish vigorously with water. You can also tie a knot in some dental floss, then use the knot to try to knock the object out of place. If your efforts to remove the object on your own are unsuccessful, give us a call. We will do everything we can to assist you.