We understand that dental emergencies can be inconvenient and by nature need prompt attention. Our practice is designed in a way that allows for new patient emergencies to be seen as soon as possible, almost always the same day. While we encourage our emergency patients to join our regular care program, you are not required to do so in order to take advantage of our short-notice appointments.
Do you have pain or damage? Have you cracked or even knocked out a tooth? We are here for you! Call immediately, and we can give you instructions and fit you into our schedule for treatment the same day. A fast diagnosis and immediate treatment can make all the difference in saving a tooth or a long-term healthy smile, so we’re prepared to accommodate you as quickly as possible. Our caring, compassionate, and above all gentle team is here to support you.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth or mouth that requires immediate professional attention. Dr. Ryan Holmes and our caring team understand that dental emergencies can be frightening and painful. We’re here to help you through these stressful situations with compassionate, effective care.
Dental emergencies often include:
- Severe toothache or pain that won’t go away
- A tooth that has been knocked out
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Loose teeth (when you’re not expecting them to be loose)
- Swelling in your face or gums
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Lost fillings or crowns
Injuries to your lips, cheeks, or tongue - Signs of infection like fever, bad taste, or pus
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Call our office right away at 260-530-5489.
What To Do When a Tooth Is Broken
If you’ve broken or chipped a tooth:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
- If there’s bleeding, apply a clean piece of gauze or cloth with gentle pressure until it stops.
- Save any broken tooth pieces if possible and bring them to your appointment.
- For pain relief, take over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks.
- Call our office at 260-530-5489 as soon as possible. Dr. Holmes will see you promptly to assess the damage and determine the best treatment to restore your smile.
What To Do When a Tooth Is Knocked Out
When a tooth is completely knocked out, quick action can often save it. Follow these steps:
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the part you normally see in your mouth), not the root.
- Gently rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub it or remove any attached tissue.
- Try to place the tooth back in its socket if possible. Hold it in place with gentle pressure.
- If you can’t reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in milk, a tooth preservation product, or between your cheek and gum.
- Get to our office within 30 minutes if possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the better chance of saving your tooth.
- Remember to call us immediately at 260-530-5489 so we can prepare for your arrival.
Emergency Dental Treatments
At Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Ryan Holmes provides a range of emergency dental treatments to address various urgent situations:
Tooth Restoration
For broken or chipped teeth, Dr. Holmes may use dental bonding, crowns, or veneers to restore your tooth’s appearance and function. The treatment depends on the severity of the damage.
Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth infection or severe decay causes intense pain, root canal therapy may be necessary. This procedure removes the infected pulp, relieves pain, and saves your natural tooth.
Tooth Reimplantation
For knocked-out teeth, Dr. Holmes will attempt to reinsert and stabilize the tooth in its socket. Success rates are highest when treatment occurs within an hour of the injury.
Abscess Treatment
Dental abscesses are serious infections that require immediate attention. Treatment may include draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, and possibly root canal therapy or extraction.
Emergency Extractions
In some cases, removing a severely damaged or infected tooth is the best option to relieve pain and prevent further complications.
Temporary Restorations
If you’ve lost a filling or crown, Dr. Holmes can provide temporary or permanent restorations to protect your tooth and restore comfort.
Why Choose Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?
When you choose Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for your emergency dental care, you’re selecting a practice that prioritizes your comfort and well-being during stressful situations. Dr. Ryan Holmes brings extensive experience in treating dental emergencies with both skill and compassion. Our approach goes beyond addressing your immediate pain. We focus on comprehensive solutions that support your long-term dental health.
Our office environment is specifically designed to help you feel at ease, even during emergency visits. After resolving your urgent dental issue, we take time to provide preventive guidance to help you avoid similar problems in the future. Our commitment to prompt, professional, and personalized emergency care makes us the trusted choice for dental emergencies in Fort Wayne.
Request Your Appointment
Don’t wait if you’re experiencing dental pain or have suffered an injury to your teeth or mouth. Contact Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry right away by calling 260-530-5489 to receive the fastest care for your dental emergency. We’re here to help restore your smile and relieve your pain with compassionate emergency dental care at our Fort Wayne office. Remember that for dental emergencies, calling is always the quickest way to receive the urgent care you need.