Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, from sports injuries to slips and falls. If you’ve damaged a tooth or are in severe pain, emergency dental care can help protect your health and prevent further complications.
A dental emergency includes any issue that requires immediate care to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or relieve intense pain. Infections or abscesses may even be life-threatening if not treated right away.
Call us if you have:
- Severe tooth pain disrupting sleep or eating
- A knocked-out tooth
- Broken or loose braces (contact your orthodontist directly)
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- A lost filling or crown
- An abscess or painful bump on your gums
Dental First Aid: What to Do Before You Get to the Dentist
Dental emergencies can be overwhelming, but staying calm and taking the right first steps can make a big difference.
Perform basic first aid and contact an emergency dentist in Allentown, PA, as soon as possible for proper care and relief.
Toothache
Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek and take over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), as directed. Keep track of what you take, how much, and when.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Act fast—your tooth may be saved if treated within the hour. Gently place the clean tooth back into the socket if possible. If not, store it in a container of milk and call us immediately.
Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply sterile gauze if there’s bleeding. Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Contact us right away for urgent care and tooth repair.
Abscess
An abscess is a serious infection that can spread quickly if left untreated. Rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz. water) to ease discomfort, but call your dentist immediately to prevent further complications.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
While basic first aid steps are helpful, the most important thing is to call our office right away. We’ll provide guidance over the phone to help manage pain, protect your tooth, and arrange immediate care.
You may take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), or aspirin if it’s safe for you—but always follow the label instructions and your doctor’s advice. Dental pain often involves nerve damage, so true relief typically requires professional treatment. Be sure to write down the medication name, dosage, and time taken to share with us during your visit.
Yes, but emergency rooms typically offer temporary relief, such as pain management or antibiotics. They usually can’t provide full dental treatment. If it’s a serious health emergency—like facial swelling, high fever, or difficulty breathing—go to the ER right away.
A broken tooth can trap bacteria, leading to infection or an abscess. It may also expose the nerve, causing severe pain and increasing the risk of needing a root canal or tooth extraction.
Yes. If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to the jaw, surrounding tissue, or even the bloodstream, leading to a dangerous condition called sepsis. Early treatment is critical to protect your health.
What Our Patients Are Saying
- Video testimonials
- Google reviews
