What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Many patients aren’t sure whether their situation requires urgent care. When in doubt, call our office — we’ll help you assess the situation over the phone. Common dental emergencies we treat include:
- Severe or sudden tooth pain
- A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth
- A lost or broken crown, bridge, or filling
- A dental abscess or signs of infection (swelling, fever, bad taste)
- Soft tissue injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue
- Broken or damaged dentures or dental appliances
- A tooth that has been loosened by trauma
What to Do Before You Reach Our Woodstock Office
In a dental emergency, staying calm and acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here are a few tips while you make your way to our office:
- Knocked-out tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse gently with water, and try to reinsert it in the socket or keep it moist in milk. Time is critical — contact us immediately
- Severe toothache: Rinse with warm salt water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum tissue
- Lost crown or filling: Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Dental cement from a pharmacy can temporarily protect the tooth until your appointment
- Abscess or swelling: Do not wait. Dental infections can spread quickly and become serious. Call us or go to an emergency room if you cannot reach us
Experiencing a Dental Emergency in Woodstock, GA? Call Us Now.
Don’t wait — contact Dentistry of Olde Towne immediately. We will do everything we can to see you the same day and get you out of pain fast. For after-hours guidance, our voicemail will direct you to emergency contact instructions.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Act immediately — time is critical. Handle the tooth only by the crown, never the root. Gently rinse it with water without scrubbing. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place. If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a glass of milk or between your cheek and gum. Call our Woodstock office immediately — the best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth exists within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury.
How do I know if my dental problem is a true emergency?
If you are experiencing severe pain, significant swelling, signs of infection (fever, swelling, bad taste), uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to your teeth or jaw, that is a dental emergency. When in doubt, call our Woodstock office at 770-928-3055 — our team will help you assess the situation over the phone and determine whether you need to be seen the same day. We always err on the side of caution and will make every effort to see urgent cases as quickly as possible.
Can a dental infection be dangerous if I wait?
Yes — a dental abscess or untreated infection can become a serious health threat if left unaddressed. Dental infections can spread to the jaw, neck, and in severe cases the airway or bloodstream. If you notice facial swelling, a fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or feel acutely unwell, do not wait. Call our Woodstock office immediately or go to your nearest emergency room if you cannot reach us.
What if my dental emergency happens after hours?
Call our Woodstock office at 770-928-3055 and listen carefully to our voicemail — it contains instructions for reaching us during a dental emergency outside of normal business hours. For life-threatening situations such as severe swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Will you be able to see me the same day for a dental emergency in Woodstock?
We make every effort to reserve same-day appointments for dental emergencies. Our team understands that pain and dental trauma cannot wait, and we treat every emergency with the urgency it deserves. Call us as early in the day as possible at 770-928-3055 so we can get you on the schedule and begin addressing your situation right away.