Question 1

What qualifies as a true dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

A true dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, infection, or trauma that requires immediate attention from a dentist. Dental emergencies should not be ignored because delaying treatment can lead to worsening pain, infection spread, or permanent damage to the teeth and surrounding structures. Common dental emergencies include severe toothaches, facial swelling, abscesses, knocked-out teeth, broken or fractured teeth, and uncontrolled bleeding after dental trauma or surgery. Signs of infection, such as swelling, fever, or pus, are especially urgent and should be treated as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it is always best to contact a dental office. Prompt evaluation can often prevent more serious complications and help preserve your natural teeth.

Question 2

How can I manage severe tooth pain at home while waiting for a dentist?

Accepted Answer

At Merchant's Walk Dental, we reserve time every day for emergencies — call or message us as soon as you can so we can see you as soon as possible. Severe tooth pain is often a sign of an underlying dental problem such as decay, infection, or a cracked tooth. While home care cannot treat the root cause, there are a few ways to temporarily manage discomfort while waiting for your dental appointment. Rinsing with warm salt water can help reduce irritation and keep the area clean. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help manage pain, and applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can reduce swelling. It is also important to avoid chewing on the affected side and to avoid extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods that may worsen sensitivity. These are temporary measures only. Severe or persistent tooth pain should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.

Question 3

Should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) or an Emergency Dentist?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, a hospital emergency room is not the best place to treat a toothache. While an ER can help manage severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, they typically do not have a dentist on staff and cannot perform procedures such as fillings, root canals, extractions, or dental crowns. If you are experiencing a severe toothache, broken tooth, dental abscess, or other dental emergency, it is usually best to contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can diagnose the cause of the problem and provide the treatment needed to relieve pain and prevent the condition from worsening. If you have difficulty breathing, severe facial swelling, or signs of a serious infection, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.

Question 4

What should I do if a permanent tooth is completely knocked out?

Accepted Answer

A completely knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If possible, locate the tooth and handle it only by the crown (the top part), not the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing or removing attached tissue. Try to place the tooth back into its socket if possible. If that is not feasible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. Time is critical — ideally within 30 to 60 minutes — for the best chance of saving the tooth. Do not delay treatment, as prompt action can significantly improve the likelihood of successful reimplantation.

Question 5

Is a chipped or cracked tooth considered a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

A chipped or cracked tooth may or may not be an emergency depending on the severity of the damage and whether pain or sensitivity is present. Small chips that do not cause discomfort are typically less urgent but should still be evaluated to prevent further damage. However, cracks that cause pain, sensitivity when biting, or visible structural damage should be treated as soon as possible. Cracked teeth can worsen over time and may lead to infection or tooth loss if not treated promptly. Early evaluation allows for more conservative treatment options such as bonding, crowns, or other restorative procedures.

Question 6

When is a toothache bad enough to require emergency care?

Accepted Answer

A toothache should be considered an emergency when the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or signs of infection. Pain that worsens when chewing or does not improve with over-the-counter medication may also indicate a serious dental issue. Toothaches are often caused by deep decay, infection, gum disease, or a cracked tooth. Because these conditions can progress quickly, early treatment is important. If you are experiencing intense or worsening tooth pain, contacting an emergency dentist is the safest course of action.

Question 7

What does a dental abscess look like, and is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that can form at the root of a tooth or in the gums. It often appears as swelling, redness, or a pimple-like bump on the gums that may release pus. Patients may also notice a bad taste in the mouth, fever, or significant pain. Dental abscesses are serious because the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and, in severe cases, other parts of the body. This makes them a true dental emergency that requires prompt treatment. Treatment typically involves draining the infection and addressing the underlying cause, which may include root canal therapy or tooth extraction.

Question 8

What If My Crown Falls Off?

Accepted Answer

If your dental crown falls off, try to keep the crown in a safe place and contact your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, the crown may be able to be re-cemented if it is still in good condition and the underlying tooth has not been damaged. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth, and keep the exposed tooth clean until you can be seen. An exposed tooth may be more sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure and can become damaged if left untreated. A lost dental crown is considered a dental emergency because the tooth underneath is no longer protected. Prompt treatment can help prevent additional damage and restore your smile comfortably.

Question 9

How Quickly Should I Treat a Broken Tooth?

Accepted Answer

A broken or chipped tooth should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible, even if you are not experiencing significant pain. Small cracks can worsen over time and may allow bacteria to enter the tooth, increasing the risk of infection. If you have a broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and avoid chewing on the affected side. If there is swelling, applying a cold compress can help reduce discomfort until your appointment. Prompt treatment can often save more of the natural tooth and may prevent the need for more extensive procedures such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction. The sooner a broken tooth is treated, the better the chances of preserving your long-term oral health.

Question 10

Can a Dental Abscess Become Dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A dental abscess is a serious infection that should never be ignored. An abscess occurs when bacteria infect the tooth or surrounding gum tissue, often causing severe tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity, and sometimes a bad taste in the mouth. Without treatment, the infection can spread to nearby tissues, the jawbone, and in rare cases, other areas of the body. Signs that an abscess may require immediate attention include significant facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing. If you believe you have a dental abscess, contact an emergency dentist right away. Early treatment can relieve pain, eliminate the infection, and help prevent more serious complications.

Question 11

How Much Does an Emergency Dental Visit Cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of an emergency dental visit can vary depending on the treatment needed. In many cases, dental insurance plans cover the initial emergency exam and diagnostic X-rays, though coverage varies by provider and plan. We always recommend checking with your insurance company to verify your specific benefits. For patients without dental insurance, or for those who have reached their annual maximum benefits, we offer an emergency dental exam for $80. This includes a comprehensive emergency evaluation and the necessary X-rays needed to diagnose the problem. After your exam, our team will explain your treatment options, discuss any associated costs, and answer your questions. In some cases, treatment may be completed the same day, while other procedures may be scheduled for a future appointment based on your needs and preferences.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

When to Call Us

What To Do Before Your Appointment

What Happens During an Emergency Visit?

First Aid Tips from the ADA

Common Treatments After an Emergency Visit

Emergency Dental FAQs

Emergency Dentist in Marietta, GA | Same-Day Appointments