Immediate Dental Emergency Guide: Act Fast with Dillard Dental Services

If you are experiencing an unexpected dental emergency, it is critical that you take action immediately. This can help prevent the condition from worsening and relieve pain or discomfort. Dr. Leslie Dillard and her team at Dillard Dental Services in Nashville, Tennessee, believe in providing care when patients need it, including various dental emergencies. Our emergency dentistry office is here to help, often with same-day appointments available for those who require immediate attention.

Happy Child Patient in Clinic

What should I do first in a dental emergency?

The first step is to contact Dr. Dillard and our team at Dillard Dental Services as soon as possible. We can assess the situation and provide guidance on what actions to take next. It is also a good idea to have the phone number of the office saved in your phone so you have it readily available when problems arise. Some dental emergencies that should be communicated with the team include:

  • Severe toothache
  • Broken or chipped tooth
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Abscessed tooth
  • Loose or lost filling or crown

When to wait for emergency dental care?

In the meantime, here are a few immediate steps you might take to manage the dental emergency effectively:

  • If you are experiencing a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected area and tooth to remove any potential food particles that may be causing the pain.
  • If you have a chipped or broken tooth, try to save any of the pieces of the tooth and rinse them out with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.
  • If a tooth has been knocked out, carefully pick it up by the crown (top part) and avoid touching the roots. Rinse it off with water and, if possible, place it back into the socket. If it is not possible to replace it in the socket, store it in a container of milk or saline solution until you can see Dr. Dillard.
  • If you have an abscessed tooth, rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater may alleviate the pain, you will need to be seen and treated to remove any infection.
  • If you have lost or have a loose filling or crown, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that area of your mouth until you can see Dr. Dillard for a replacement.

Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution and contact Dr. Dillard for any dental emergency, even if you are unsure. She can offer advice and determine if an immediate appointment is necessary.

Who should I contact in case of a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies require the care and assistance of a trained and experienced professional at Dillard Dental Services. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call (615) 541-4722 to request a visit.

When should I contact Dr. Dillard after hours with a dental emergency?

*If you have any difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest emergency room