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Emergency Dentist — Buzzards Bay, MA

Get Urgent Dental Care Right Away

Just like any kind of emergency, dental emergencies never seem to happen when someone is prepared. No one really expects a knocked-out tooth or severe toothache to ruin their day, but it happens all the time here in Buzzards Bay. We understand that urgent situations require urgent care, so if you find yourself in the middle of a dental emergency, pick up the phone and give Canal Side Family Dental a call. We will work to see you as quickly as possible and get you out of pain right away!

Why Choose Canal Side Family Dental for Emergency Dental Care?

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Woman with toothache should call her Buzzards Bay emergency dentist

Although it may be easy to panic in a dental emergency, we encourage you to stay calm! Keeping a level head during these scary situations will help you act quickly and correctly when it matters most. Thankfully, having the experienced and compassionate dental team here at Canal Side Family Dental on your side during a dental emergency can make a world of difference. Should you encounter a dental emergency, follow these steps:

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

There are two major types of dental emergencies that patients should be on the lookout for. The first type is sudden and unexpected – physical accidents that may result in broken, fractured, or completely knocked-out teeth. The second type develops at a more gradual pace and occurs when tooth decay worsens over time, leading to a severe oral infection that is often better known as a “toothache.” Dr. Adelstein, and Dr. Mortelliti all have plenty of experience with both types of emergencies and will be able to assist you by relieving pain and providing restorative solutions. Here are some helpful tips for handling some of the most common dental emergencies.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies 

Dentist and patient discussing the cost of dental emergencies in Buzzards Bay

No two dental emergencies are like, and their costs can vary wildly as well. Some symptoms may be treatable with a simple prescription, while others could require more involved reconstructive care, such as the placement of a dental implant or a custom-made dental crown. At Canal Side Family Dental, we will focus on providing relief first from serious pain and then create a comprehensive breakdown of further costs and care options so that patients have everything they need to make an informed decision. We will also be happy to file insurance claims and arrange affordable payment plans through CareCredit when needed.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Couple with healthy teeth taking selfie, not worried about dental emergencies

Our emergency dental office in Buzzards Bay is always ready to help you cope with urgent oral health problems. However, we hope you can avoid such problems to begin with. To help you reduce your risk of encountering a dental emergency, we have put together a list of practical, simple tips. You can find them below.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly for Preventive Care

Patient at dental checkup, reviewing his X-Ray results

Everyone should visit their dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. At these preventive appointments, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, reducing the risk that you will develop cavities or gum disease in the future. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, looking for signs of any problems and recommending treatment before minor issues turn into major ones that may necessitate an emergency appointment.

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene at Home

Father and daughter brushing teeth in front of bathroom mirror

One of the most powerful things you can do to prevent dental emergencies in Buzzards Bay is keep up with oral hygiene at home. Brushing and flossing remove plaque from your teeth, lowering your risk of cavities that might develop into major spots of decay. Drinking plenty of water, properly cleaning any dental restorations you may have, and perhaps using a mouthwash can also be key parts of your oral hygiene routine.

Choose Your Foods Carefully

Woman chopping vegetables, preparing a healthy meal for herself

Smart dietary choices can play a huge role in preventing cavities and dental infections. You should enjoy sugary treats only in moderation. It is best to avoid acidic drinks, such as soda and sports beverages, as much as possible (even if they are the sugar-free variety) because they could erode your tooth enamel. Hard foods, like jawbreaker candies, have the potential to break your teeth, so you should never bite down on them. Try to eat a diet that is rich in tooth-friendly nutrients, like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C.

Wear a Mouthguard

Sports mouthguard in foreground, boxing gloves in background

If you play sports, you are at risk of injury to your teeth and gums. Fortunately, a mouthguard can do much to lower that risk. Custom mouthguards from a dentist tend to be more effective and comfortable than ones that you can purchase over the counter.

If you grind your teeth at night, you may require a different type of mouthguard, one that can place a barrier between your upper and lower teeth and prevent them from harming one another.

Do Not Use Your Teeth as a Tool

Using scissors, not teeth, to remove tag from clothing

It can be tempting to use your teeth to open packages, tear the tags off of clothing, or trim your fingernails. However, using your teeth for any purpose other than eating is never a good idea. You might accidentally chip your enamel or even cause a tooth to break altogether. Carrying a small multi-tool with you may do much to help you resist the urge to use your teeth for anything that might cause them harm.

Dental Emergency FAQs

Sticky notes on table with question mark, concept for questions about emergency dentistry

Our team is ready to serve as your emergency dentist in Buzzards Bay. Before you entrust us with your urgent oral healthcare, however, you may want to learn more about dental emergencies and how to handle them. Below, you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you do not see the information you were hoping for, give us a call so we can personally assist you.

Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?

Teeth cannot heal themselves. Therefore, your toothache is unlikely to go away on its own. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, if your pain is caused by something near your tooth, rather than the tooth itself, it is possible that the situation will resolve without professional treatment. It is also possible for the nerve inside a tooth to die. Once that happens, it can no longer send pain signals to your brain. However, the infection that caused the toothache in the first place may still be present, and it could continue to spread into nearby tissues. Really, any type of toothache is a reason to call your dentist right away.

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

Unfortunately, most hospitals do not have the equipment or training to properly handle a dental emergency in Buzzards Bay. They will likely encourage you to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Of course, there are some exceptions. If you are bleeding excessively, have a high fever, or are experiencing any other life-threatening symptoms, you should certainly go to the ER right away. Later, you can visit our practice for follow-up care. In all other urgent oral health situations, however, it is best to see a dentist first.

What Is Causing My Jaw Pain?

Jaw pain can have many causes. Often, chronic bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) is to blame. It can damage the teeth and strain the muscles around the jaw. Injuries, TMJ disorder (TMD), and impacted wisdom teeth can also contribute to jaw pain. Any sort of discomfort in the jaw merits a visit to your dentist. We can evaluate the situation, offer tips for at-home care, and if necessary, perform professional treatment with the goal of providing long-term relief.

What Should I Keep in My Emergency Dentistry Kit?

Having an assortment of first-aid items on hand will help you to deal with your dental emergencies as efficiently as possible. Here are some things that it would be good to have ready:

  • A small storage container with a lid (to protect lost teeth or restorations)
  • Sterile gloves (nitrile is best)
  • Dressings and gauze pads
  • Cotton balls
  • An anti-inflammatory pain reliever (ibuprofen works well)
  • Dental cement or a similar product
  • Denture adhesive
  • A topical anesthetic
  • Dental floss
  • An ice pack
  • Your dentist’s phone number
  • Your dental insurance information
  • An updated list of your current medications and any medical conditions that you have been diagnosed with 
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Toothaches

Chipped Tooth

Cracked Tooth

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency?

Sensitive teeth are a symptom that can result from a large number of oral health issues, some of which are fairly mild, but others of which require immediate care.

How You Should Handle Sensitive Teeth

Call our office and describe the exact nature of your dental sensitivity. We might provide you with tips to care for the situation at home. However, if we suspect that you have a cavity, infection, gum disease, or other significant problem, we will schedule an appointment for you. In the meantime, it may minimize your discomfort if you avoid hot, spicy, cold, and sweet foods.

How We Treat Tooth Sensitivity

The best treatment for sensitivity depends on its cause. You might need something as simple as a desensitizing toothpaste, a topical fluoride treatment, or a prescription mouthwash. If the problem is more serious, such as an infection, you might need root canal therapy. Some patients require gum disease therapy.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is a Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A lost tooth in Buzzards Bay is an incredibly urgent dental emergency! The sooner you receive care, the more likely it is that our team will be able to salvage the tooth. Ideally, you should get to our office within an hour of losing the tooth.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

Touching the tooth only by its top part (the crown), gently rinse off any debris. Then, attempt to place it back in its socket or tuck it between your gums and cheek. If neither of those are comfortable for you, store the tooth in milk or an ADA-approved tooth preservation kit. The key is to keep it moist. However, plain water is not the best storage option because it might damage the tooth.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth

If the tooth is still viable, your emergency dentist in Buzzards Bay will try to replant it by splinting it back into place. Over time, your body should reintegrate it. If that is not possible, we will care for the damage to your oral tissues and talk to you about your tooth replacement options. You might be eligible for an implant, bridge, or denture.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dentures

<Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency?

A lost filling or lost dental crown in Buzzards Bay is not a particularly urgent emergency. However, because the exposed tooth is vulnerable to further damage and infection, you should certainly seek care as soon as your circumstances allow.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown

You might be able to temporarily replace a lost crown with a bit of denture adhesive or toothpaste. If it does not want to fit on the tooth, do not try to force it. You should also avoid doing anything that could damage your exposed tooth, such as eating hard foods.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns

If your restoration is still in fairly good shape, we might be able to recement it into place. If that is not possible, perhaps because the crown is damage or the condition of the tooth has changed since it first received a restoration, we might have to provide you with an entirely new crown or filling.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Metal-Free Dental Crowns

Broken Denture

Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?

You should not wear a broken denture in Buzzards Bay, and not wearing your denture at all could make it difficult for you to chew and speak properly. You should certainly visit a dentist as soon as you can.

How to Handle a Broken Denture

Do not try to repair your denture on your own, and do not try to wear your broken prosthetic. Instead, set it aside and stick to eating soft foods while you wait for your dental appointment.

How We Treat Broken Dentures

In some cases, we are able to repair broken dentures in-house. In most cases, though, we must design an entirely new prosthetic. If the latter is necessary in your case, we may recommend that you take the opportunity to upgrade to implant dentures.

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A loose tooth in Buzzards Bay is in danger of falling out altogether, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible, even if the tooth does not hurt.

How You Should Handle a Loose Permanent Tooth

Avoid doing anything that might cause the tooth to become even looser. For example, you should not use it to chew, and you should not wiggle it with your tongue or fingers. You can keep up with oral hygiene, but you should be very gentle.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth

We might be able to preserve the tooth. However, if that is not possible, we may extract it and talk to you about your tooth replacement options.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Dental Implants

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 range from minor to severe. As your emergency dentist in Buzzards Bay, we are ready to help you assess the situation and get on the road to recovery.

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

After you gently rinse the area with water, place gauze or a clean cloth on the wound and use light pressure to try to stop the bleeding. An ice pack can help to control swelling. If the bleeding is severe, visit the ER right away.

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

We may stitch the wound closed and inspect your mouth for other signs of damage. If you were injured during sports, we may recommend that you invest in a custom mouthguard to reduce the risk that something similar will happen again in the future.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency?

Jaw pain can have numerous causes, some of which are quite serious, while others of which are nothing to be alarmed about. Any new jaw pain merits a dental visit.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain

Give us a call, and we will instruct you. We may advise you to take some pain medications, stick to eating soft foods, and use an ice pack to ease swelling. However, if your symptoms indicate that your jaw is broken or dislocated, we will urge you to visit the ER. After the hospital tends to you, you can visit us for follow-up care.

How We Treat Jaw Pain

Treatment for jaw pain may involve a mouthguard to prevent grinding and clenching, TMJ therapy, wisdom tooth extractions, or other services. We will have to learn more about the cause of your discomfort before we make any recommendations.

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

It can be tempting to use a knife, toothpick, or another sharp object to try to remove the item that is stuck between your teeth. However, doing so would be unwise because you might accidentally damage your oral tissues. Instead, tie a knot in some dental floss and insert the floss between your teeth. Move the floss back and forth, trying to use the knot to dislodge the object. You can also try swishing vigorously with water. If your efforts to remove the object on your own prove to be unsuccessful, our practice will be happy to assist you.