Emergency Dentistry in Hilton Head and Bluffton

Name: Emergency Dentistry
Brand: Old Moreland Dental
Rating: 4.8 (52 reviews)

While many dental issues can be detected and treated at your regular checkups, emergencies can crop up that must be treated immediately. You could chip a tooth, lose a filling or a crown, or experience sudden pain or swelling. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact Old Moreland Dental to schedule an urgent appointment with our emergency dentist in Bluffton and Hilton Head.

a woman smiling after seeing an emergency dentist in Bluffton and Hilton Head

Your Comfort And Satisfaction Are Our Highest Priority

At Old Moreland Dental, we completely understand that you may have had bad experiences in the past that may make you apprehensive about dental care. Our team is warm, friendly and we make every effort to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Dr. Jeffrey Solomon has been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years, so you can feel safe knowing that you are in the most capable hands. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need emergency dental care in the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas.

What Is A Dental Emergency?

If you keep up with your regular checkups every six months and maintain good oral hygiene, many dental issues can be detected and handled before they have a chance to develop into a serious problem. However, if you experience an accident or notice sudden painful changes, you may require immediate care. But what constitutes a real emergency? Continue reading for some of the most common dental emergencies.

Toothache

A toothache is a sign that something isn’t as it should be. If you notice a sudden pain in a tooth, you should get it examined as soon as possible by an emergency dentist in Bluffton and Hilton Head. A toothache could be caused by several different conditions, and it is important to determine what is causing it and get the correct treatment. Common causes of pain in a tooth include:

Tooth decay

A broken filling

An infection or abscess

A Lost Filling Or Crown

If a filling or crown falls out, seeking emergency dental care is a good idea. Crowns and fillings are used to restore damaged teeth to optimal function, and when they fall out, your teeth are no longer protected from damage or infection. If possible, save the filling or crown and bring it with you to your dentist. A lost filling or crown is rarely a serious emergency. However, we urge you to contact us immediately so we can determine how urgent the situation is. We will schedule an appointment as soon as possible and advise you on how to protect your tooth until then.

A Chipped Or Cracked Tooth

Whether it happens in a sports accident or when biting down on something hard, chipping a tooth is never a pleasant experience. If you see your dentist immediately, he may be able to cement your own tooth fragment back onto your tooth. If you could not find or keep the tooth fragment, your dentist may use one of the following procedures:

Bonding

Using a special type of dental resin or porcelain, your dentist will replace the missing part of your tooth. Ultraviolet lights will harden the material, and once completed, your bond will look like a real tooth and can last for up to 10 years.

Veneers

If the damage to your tooth is extensive, your dentist may recommend a veneer. For smaller chips, dental bonding is often the more practical choice. However, veneers can last for up to 30 years and may be preferable in some cases. Your dentist will recommend the best option for you, but he will listen to your concerns and preferences, and you will ultimately make the decision together.

Infection Or Swelling

If you are experiencing swelling of the gums accompanied by pain, you may have an infection or a tooth abscess. This is a dental emergency, and it is vital that you contact us immediately to make an emergency appointment at our Bluffton office. A dental abscess won’t resolve on its own, so it is very important that you see your dentist before it gets worse. Other signs of an abscess include:

A foul taste in your mouth
Fever
Intense pain
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

What Can I Do To Prevent A Dental Emergency?

While some emergencies can’t be avoided, there are a few things you can do to make an emergency less likely. These include:

Following a good oral hygiene routine: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day will protect the health of your gums and teeth.
Watching what you eat: Eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can damage your teeth if you bite down too hard on them. Avoid foods that require a lot of force to chew, such as hard candy and popcorn kernels.
Being aware of any changes to your teeth and gums: If you make sure to see your dentist as soon as you notice a change, you are more likely to catch it before it becomes an emergency.