7 Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them | Afdent Emergency Dental Care Fort Wayne
Dental Emergencies Happen When You Least Expect Them
You’re eating dinner, playing sports, or waking up in the middle of the night with pain — and suddenly, you need a dentist now. Dental emergencies can be frightening, but knowing what to do can save time, money, and even your tooth.
At Afdent Emergency Dental Care Fort Wayne, we treat every dental emergency with urgency and compassion. From severe toothaches to broken dentures, our same-day appointments and walk-in availability make it easy to get relief fast.
1. Toothache or Abscess
A throbbing toothache is often a sign of infection or deep decay. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, avoid applying heat, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. Then call your Fort Wayne emergency dentist immediately.
An abscessed tooth won’t heal on its own — it needs treatment such as a root canal or extraction to stop the infection and save your health.
2. Broken or Chipped Tooth
Accidents or biting something hard can cause a tooth to chip or fracture. If this happens, rinse your mouth gently, save any pieces you can find, and apply a cold compress. Afdent can often repair chipped teeth the same day with dental bonding, fillings, or crowns.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical when a tooth is completely knocked out. Handle it by the crown (top), never the root. Try to reinsert it into the socket or place it in milk or saline. Then head straight to Afdent — we may be able to reattach it if you arrive quickly enough.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
When a filling or crown falls out, the exposed tooth can be sensitive and vulnerable. Use temporary dental cement or sugar-free gum to protect it until your visit. We can replace or repair your dental crown or filling in one visit.
5. Swollen Gums or Jaw
A swollen jaw or gum abscess is a warning sign of infection. These can spread rapidly and even become dangerous if untreated. Call your dentist immediately for evaluation — we’ll likely drain the infection and prescribe antibiotics to bring relief.
6. Broken Dentures or Dental Appliance
A broken denture or bridge can make it difficult to eat and speak. Don’t use glue or DIY fixes, as that can cause damage. Bring your denture in, and our on-site lab can repair or reline it quickly, often the same day.
7. Bleeding or Soft Tissue Injuries
Biting your tongue, lip, or cheek can cause heavy bleeding. Apply pressure with clean gauze for 10 minutes. If bleeding continues or the wound is large, go to the ER. Otherwise, your dentist can clean and evaluate the injury to prevent infection.
When to Call for Emergency Dental Care
If you’re unsure whether it’s urgent, remember: pain, swelling, or bleeding are all red flags. It’s always safer to call and ask. Our Fort Wayne team can talk you through what to do and reserve an appointment if needed.
At Afdent Emergency Dental Care Fort Wayne, our goal is to relieve your pain quickly, protect your oral health, and make every patient feel cared for from the moment they call.
📞 Call Today: (260) 482-8386
📍 Visit Us: 4041 Parnell Ave Suite 100, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
🕒 Same-Day & Walk-In Appointments Available
