Service Guide
Service Guide
- A tooth that has been knocked out or partially dislodged
- A severe or worsening toothache
- A cracked or fractured tooth, especially with pain or sharp edges
- A lost filling or crown that is causing sensitivity or discomfort
- A dental abscess, which may present as swelling, throbbing pain, or a bump on the gum
- Soft tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums that won’t stop bleeding
Some of these are more urgent than others. A knocked-out tooth, for example, should be handled as quickly as possible. An abscess that is causing facial swelling needs prompt attention. When in doubt, call us and describe what’s happening. We can help you figure out how quickly you need to be seen.
Emergency Dentistry in Medford: What to Do Before You Come In
While you’re on your way to Highland Dental, a few steps can make a real difference in the outcome of your emergency.
If a tooth has been knocked out, pick it up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that’s not an option, keep it moist in a small container of milk or between your cheek and gum. Time matters significantly here.
For a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and avoid biting down on that side. If there’s swelling, a cold compress held against the outside of the cheek can help reduce it.
For pain or a lost restoration, over-the-counter pain relievers can take the edge off while you wait, but they’re not a substitute for treatment. Dental cement from a pharmacy can temporarily cover a sensitive exposed area until you’re seen.
How We Handle Dental Emergencies
When you contact Highland Dental with a dental emergency, we work to guide you as quickly as possible. Our team is experienced in emergency care and equipped to handle a wide range of urgent situations, from managing acute pain to stabilizing a damaged tooth.
Dr. Ayinkeran Gunarajasingam, Dr. Paul Shteynberg, Dr. Nelly Shteynberg, and Dr. Nathan Faynzilberg approach emergency cases with the same thorough attention they bring to routine care. We start with a quick but careful assessment to understand what’s happening and what needs to be done first. Pain relief is a priority, and we move efficiently so you’re not sitting in discomfort any longer than necessary.
Depending on what we find, emergency treatment might involve:
- Reattaching or temporarily stabilizing a dislodged tooth
- Placing a new crown or temporary restoration over a damaged tooth
- Draining an abscess and prescribing antibiotics to address infection
- Root canal treatment to remove infected pulp and relieve severe pain
- Extracting a tooth that cannot be saved
We explain what we’re doing and why at each step, so you’re never left guessing about your care.
The Problem with Waiting
It can be tempting to hope a dental problem will resolve on its own or hold off until a regular appointment slot opens up. In most cases, that’s not a good strategy. Dental infections can spread quickly and, in rare but serious cases, can affect areas well beyond the mouth. A tooth that could have been saved with prompt treatment may not be salvageable after a delay. Pain that is manageable one day can become severe within 24 to 48 hours.
Emergency dentistry in Medford at Highland Dental exists precisely because waiting often makes things worse. Getting care quickly protects both your health and your options.
After the Emergency: Following Up
An emergency visit addresses the immediate problem, but it’s rarely the end of the story. Once the acute issue is resolved, we’ll talk through what comes next. That might mean a follow-up appointment to place a permanent restoration, a course of antibiotics to clear an infection, or a plan to address the underlying issue that led to the emergency in the first place.
Keeping that follow-up appointment matters. Temporary measures are just that, temporary. Completing the recommended treatment is what ensures the tooth stays healthy and functional long-term.
Don’t Tough It Out, Call Us
Dental pain and damage are not things you should have to manage on your own. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency in Medford, call Highland Dental right away. We’ll assess your situation, explain the next step, and take care of what needs to be done.
