Emergency Dentistry in Attleboro

Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry provides emergency dentistry in Attleboro, Massachusetts. In case of a dental emergency, call 508-409-6160 during office hours and we will see you as soon as possible. After hours call 508-409-6160 and follow the instructions provided and someone will contact you as soon as possible. If the situation is life threatening, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What Is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is treatment for urgent dental situations. From injuries to severe toothaches, some dental problems need immediate attention. An emergency is something that can’t wait until the next day or later. 

Dental Emergencies

If any of these emergencies occur, follow the instructions and contact us immediately: 

• Toothache. If you have severe tooth pain that does not improve with over the counter medication, contact us right away. 

• Knocked out permanent tooth. In the case of a knocked out permanent tooth, pick the tooth up by the crown and avoid touching the roots. Rinse off the tooth (plug the drain first) and put the tooth back in the socket. Bite down on some clean gauze and contact us. If you can’t get the tooth back in the socket, put it in a cup of milk or saliva and bring it with you to your appointment. Please get to our office as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving the tooth. 

• Knocked out baby tooth. If a baby tooth gets knocked out, do not put it back in the socket. Contact us to schedule an appointment. 

• Soft tissue injury. In the case of an injury to the lip, cheek, or tongue, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and contact us. 

• Chipped or broken tooth. A chipped or broken tooth should be treated as soon as possible to prevent infection and increase the chances of saving the tooth. Contact us immediately. 

Why Choose Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry?

We understand that emergencies rarely occur at convenient times. Sometimes these things happen at night after our normal office hours. We provide emergency dental services for children so that we can save teeth and offer parents peace of mind. Our calm, professional demeanor helps reduce the stress and fear that often accompany dental emergencies. You can trust that we will provide the best dental care with the appropriate sense of urgency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

How do I know if my situation is considered an emergency?

It can be tricky to decide if some situations are true emergencies. During office hours you should never hesitate to call. If the situation occurs after office hours and you feel that the problem is severe enough that it can’t wait until the next day, please call us and follow the after hours voicemail instructions. Someone will contact you and ask questions to determine whether or not immediate treatment is required.

How long can a tooth be out of the socket and still be saved?

The window of time that a tooth can remain out of the socket is only about 30 minutes. This is why we advise you to call us right away. In many cases if we act quickly we can put the tooth back in the socket successfully.

Should a split or cut lip be treated by a dentist or a physician?

We recommend that you contact us for any lip injuries. This is because we can also check for any dental injuries that may have occurred at the same time and provide treatment. An injury to the mouth can also do unseen damage to the teeth.

Why can’t a baby tooth be put back in the socket?

Putting a knocked out baby tooth back in the socket can potentially damage the permanent tooth underneath. In many cases we will recommend a space maintainer to hold the place open for the permanent tooth to come in when it is ready.

Why is a chipped tooth an emergency?

If a large part of a tooth breaks, you can understand that it needs immediate care. A chip however, may seem small and insignificant, but it should also receive prompt treatment. This is because a chip in a tooth can allow bacteria to enter the root canal of the tooth and infect the dental pulp. The tooth may need to be patched with composite material or covered with a crown.