A dental emergency can strike at the worst possible moment. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth during a weekend basketball game, a sudden toothache that wakes you up at 3 a.m., or a cracked filling while eating dinner, knowing what to do in those first critical minutes can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. At Taylor Made Dental in Boardman, OH, we want our patients and neighbors to feel prepared—not panicked—when the unexpected happens.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires an after-hours call, but certain situations demand immediate attention. A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies. If you can get to our Boardman office within 30 minutes, there’s a strong chance we can reimplant and save it. Other emergencies include a severe toothache that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief, a cracked or fractured tooth with sharp edges cutting your tongue or cheek, a dental abscess (a painful swelling near the gum line that may include fever), uncontrolled bleeding after an extraction or injury, and a loose or displaced permanent tooth.
What to Do Right Now
If a tooth has been knocked out, pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface)—never the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline. Try to place it back in the socket and hold it there with light pressure. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist in a cup of milk or tuck it between your cheek and gum. Time matters: the American Association of Endodontists notes that reimplantation success drops significantly after 30 minutes outside the mouth.
For a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss gently to make sure nothing is lodged between teeth causing the pain. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can reduce swelling. Over-the-counter ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation. Avoid putting aspirin directly on the gum tissue, as this can cause a chemical burn.
For a cracked or broken tooth, rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to minimize swelling. If a piece of the tooth broke off, try to save it and bring it with you. Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks until you can get to our office.
When to Head to the Emergency Room
While Taylor Made Dental handles the vast majority of dental emergencies, there are situations where the ER is the right first stop. If you’re experiencing uncontrolled bleeding that doesn’t slow after 15 minutes of firm pressure, a jaw fracture or suspected jaw dislocation, difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling, or a high fever accompanying facial swelling, go to the nearest emergency room first. Once you’re stabilized, call our office at (330) 758-0505 and we’ll coordinate any follow-up dental care you need.
How Taylor Made Dental Handles Emergencies
Dr. Jeremy Taylor and our team understand that emergencies don’t wait for convenient appointment times. When you call our Boardman office with an urgent situation, we prioritize getting you seen as quickly as possible—often the same day. We’ll walk you through immediate steps over the phone, get you comfortable when you arrive, and develop a treatment plan that addresses both the emergency and any underlying issues.
Our practice is equipped to handle everything from emergency extractions and root canals to temporary crowns and splinting for loose teeth. And because we know that dental emergencies can be stressful and sometimes frightening, we bring the same anxiety-free approach to emergency visits that we bring to every appointment.
Be Prepared Before an Emergency Happens
The best time to prepare for a dental emergency is before one happens. Save our number in your phone: (330) 758-0505. Keep a small dental emergency kit in your medicine cabinet with gauze, a small container with a lid, over-the-counter pain medication, and dental wax. And most importantly, keep up with your regular dental visits. Many emergencies—cracked teeth, abscesses, and severe decay—can be prevented or caught early with routine care.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Boardman, Youngstown, or anywhere in the Mahoning Valley, call Taylor Made Dental right away. We’re here to help.