Emergency Dentist in Cape May, NJ

Dental emergencies seldom happen at a convenient time. However, when our patients experience an unexpected dental emergency, we strive to address the issue promptly, often offering same-day or next-day care. In a dental emergency, it is essential to remain calm, call our office immediately, and follow the instructions we provide to ensure your comfort and save the tooth when possible.

What is a Dental Emergency in Cape May?

A dental emergency is any problem with your teeth or gums that requires immediate care. Signs of a true dental emergency include bleeding that does not stop, severe pain that is not getting better with medication, a tooth that is knocked out or broken so that the pulp is exposed, severely lacerated gums, or broken bones in the face or jaw.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

Although there are many dental emergencies requiring urgent dental care in Cape May, some are more common than others. These are the types of dental injuries common to children and adults, including:

Severe Toothache or Infection

A severe toothache or infection needs immediate treatment to alleviate your pain and resolve any infection before it spreads. If your tooth has been hurting for more than a few days and the pain is intensifying, don’t delay having it checked. Signs of infection include bloody discharge or pus, swelling around the tooth, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Knocked-Out or Broken Tooth

Any time a tooth is broken, you run the risk of damage to the pulp or surrounding soft tissues. If the break is severe, you risk losing the tooth. A knocked-out tooth can be restored, but only if you see an emergency dentist in Cape May within an hour of losing the tooth.

Gum or Jaw Injuries

Damage to the gums or jaw has a direct effect on your teeth and can lead to tooth damage or loss. Jaw injuries can also contribute to misalignment of your teeth and bite, making eating more difficult.

Broken or Lost Filling/Crown

Losing or breaking a filling or crown exposes an already damaged and repaired tooth to the air, food debris, and bacteria. Do not attempt to replace the broken filling in the tooth, as you could trap bacteria in the tooth. Instead, please bring it with you to our office so that we can thoroughly clean and disinfect the tooth before placing a filling or crown again.

Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies

While there is no way to avoid some dental emergencies, you can reduce your risk if you keep these tips in mind:

• Brush and floss daily
• Avoid eating crunchy, hard, and sticky foods
• Never use your teeth as tools
• Limit sweets and sugary drinks
• Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports
• Do not chew on ice, pencils, or other hard objects
• Do not bite your nails
• Give up smoking

What to Do in a Dental Emergency in Cape May

The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Panicking will delay getting proper care, and quick action can save a damaged or dislodged tooth.

1. Call our office and explain the emergency. We will give you instructions on how to proceed. If possible, we will see you the same day.
2. If bleeding is excessive and you cannot stop it, your jaw is broken, or you are advised to do so by our office, go to the emergency department.
3. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
4. Apply a cold compress to the side of the face to minimize swelling.
5. For manageable bleeding, apply gauze or a soft, clean cloth to the area with mild pressure for 10-15 minutes.
6. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever for your comfort until you receive the urgent dental care you need.

Why Choose Our Cape May Dental Team for Emergency Care?

We have an emergency phone number available on our answering machine, which patients can use whenever needed, to reach a doctor on call for urgent dental care. We have time available during our days to see emergency patients. When required, we are a same-day dentist for patients needing immediate treatment. Our priority is always to relieve your pain and, when possible, save your tooth.

Dental Emergency FAQs

What should I do if I knock out a tooth in Cape May?

If your tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. Carefully rinse it with water or milk, but do not try to clean it off or remove any tissue. If you can, place it back in the socket. If you can’t, place it in a container with milk or saliva until you can get to our office. Try to get to our office within 30-60 minutes so that we have the best chance of saving your tooth.

Can I wait until morning if I have a toothache at night?

If the pain is mild to moderate, you can wait until morning. However, if the pain is severe or accompanied by swelling, fever, pus, or bleeding, please call our office first and leave us a message. If the pain is considered extreme, we advise you to visit your nearest 24-hour emergency room.

Do you take walk-ins for dental emergencies?

Depending on availability, we may be able to take walk-ins. Please understand that it is best to call us before coming in so that we can prepare for your visit. Also, be aware that we may have other patients ahead of you.

What’s the best pain relief for a toothache until I see the dentist?

Ibuprofen can relieve both pain and inflammation, as does aspirin. You can also gently rinse your mouth with warm water and place a cold compress on the cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.

Contact Gentle Dental Care at Gentle Dental Care: Susan M Mischissin, DMD, PC Phone Number (609) 465-4411 for trusted urgent dental care in Cape May, NJ.