Emergency Dentistry

Your oral health can make a turn for the worse in a matter of a few seconds. Whether you’ve dealt with a blunt sports injury or bit too forcefully into your meal, it’s crucial for your long-term health to find immediate care. Emergency dentistry can help restore the damaged tooth and prevent further damage. 

Bahr Dental eagerly offers advanced same-day treatment to quickly resolve these critical matters. If you’re in a dental emergency, call our office to schedule an immediate appointment. 

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What’s Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is an injury that greatly inhibits your everyday life or spreads immediate infection. If you are not sure whether you are dealing with a medical emergency, be sure to call our office to get professional advice. Our staff will instruct you on the best form of care until you can get to a dentist or the emergency room. 

Here are some common examples that constitute a dental emergency:

Knocked Out Tooth

Losing a tooth, whether from a blow to the face or due to poor oral health, is a serious matter. Head directly to Dr. Bahr’s office for emergency care. Keep the tooth in milk or in your mouth if possible. If there is severe bleeding, consider visiting the emergency room instead.

If you come to us within a couple of hours of your tooth getting lost or being knocked out, we may be able to place it back in the socket. If not, we have several restorative options available and can treat any underlying oral health conditions.

Cracked or Chipped Tooth

While less severe than a dislodged tooth, protecting or restoring a damaged tooth prevents further damage to your smile. A crack or chip can worsen quickly if left untreated. If you can, save the pieces of your tooth and bring them with you.

Cracks are also a prime place for infections to set in. Infections in the root of your tooth may require a root canal.

Dislodged Dental Restorations

If you have already had a crown, dental implant, or bridge placed, you will want to do your best to keep it safe. However, age and dental trauma can cause dental restorations to break or pop off.

Save any pieces of the restoration you can. Make sure that there are no pieces left in your mouth that could harm your other teeth.

We can offer replacement restorations or sometimes repair the restoration without replacing it.

Object Lodged in Your Teeth

Sometimes you may get a piece of food stuck between your teeth that won’t come out on its own. This can cause severe pain, swelling, or even bleeding.

First, try flossing at home. If that doesn’t work, visit a dentist to have it removed and relieve your pain and discomfort.

Girl with mouth pain

Infections and Toothaches

Infections and toothaches are another kind of dental emergency. They need to be treated promptly, often within 24 hours. We may offer antibiotics, a root canal, or a cavity treatment depending on the kind of infection.

Here are some symptoms of an infection that need to be treated quickly:

  • Swelling in the face, cheek, or gums near the affected tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Severe, persistent toothache
  • Pain when chewing or biting
  • Fever or a general feeling of being unwell
  • Drainage from the gums near the infected tooth
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw area
  • Red, inflamed gums around the affected area
  • A dental abscess

Periodontal Infections

Periodontal infections need urgent appointments, but are not often emergencies. Schedule a periodontal visit as soon as possible if you have these symptoms:

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
  • Gum recession, where the gums pull away from the teeth
  • Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pain when chewing

We have gentle periodontal care that can restore your smile’s health quickly. If you are concerned about the health of your gums or are worried about a dental infection, don’t hesitate to contact us for an urgent dentistry appointment.

Our Solutions for Dental Emergencies

Every dental emergency is different, but we have custom solutions for you. Here are some of the ways we can treat dental emergencies in Bountiful, UT.

Root Canals

Root canals clean out infected tooth roots, erasing any infection that may have been harming your tooth or surrounding gums. This process is done under local numbing and almost immediately relieves the pain from the infection.

We may recommend placing a crown on the infected tooth afterward. Learn more about root canals here.

Periodontal Care

Our gentle periodontal care makes treating periodontal disease easier. We use laser dentistry to remove and rehabilitate areas of infected gums. Dental deep cleans are provided as preventative periodontal care.

Restorations and Implants

If you need to replace or restore a tooth, we have several restoration options, many of which use our Glidewell 3D same-day technology that gives you restorations in one visit.

  • Dental Implants | These replace one or more missing teeth using a titanium rod placed into the jaw. Implants support a crown or bridge.
  • Dental Bridges | These replace a tooth or teeth by anchoring the replacement to the adjacent natural teeth.
  • Dental Crowns | These protect and restore a single tooth without replacing the root. They can also improve the cosmetics of your tooth.
  • Dental Bonding | Dental bonding fixes small chips or cracks in your tooth, all while matching the color of your tooth.

Whether you’re experiencing an emergency or receiving routine care, we will help you find a solution that restores your smile’s health and appearance.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care in Bountiful, UT

Dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. Whether you are at home, at work, or participating in sports around Bountiful, quick action can make a major difference in protecting your oral health.

Our team understands that dental emergencies are stressful situations, which is why we make every effort to provide timely care and clear guidance when you contact us.

At Bahr Dental, we provide prompt emergency dentistry for patients in Bountiful, Davis County, and surrounding communities such as Centerville, Woods Cross, North Salt Lake, and Farmington. Having access to a trusted emergency dentist can provide peace of mind when unexpected dental problems arise.

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, call our office. Our dental team can help determine whether you need immediate treatment or an urgent appointment.

What to Do During a Dental Emergency

Knowing how to respond in the first few minutes after a dental injury can significantly improve the chances of saving a tooth or reducing complications. While emergency dental care should always be sought as soon as possible, a few simple steps can help stabilize the situation until you reach our dental office.

Here are some general tips for handling common dental emergencies:

  • Control Bleeding | If there is bleeding in the mouth, gently bite down on clean gauze or cloth to apply pressure.
  • Reduce Swelling | Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
  • Protect Damaged Teeth | Rinse your mouth with warm water and avoid chewing on the affected side when a tooth has been chipped or cracked.
  • Preserve a Knocked-Out Tooth | Hold the tooth by the crown rather than the root, rinse it gently with water, and place it in milk or saliva until you reach the dentist.
  • Avoid Self-Treatment | Do not attempt to glue teeth back in place or remove objects lodged deeply between teeth.

By contacting Bahr Dental as soon as possible, patients in Bountiful, UT, and nearby areas can receive professional care that protects both their comfort and long-term oral health.

Trust Bahr Dental With Emergency Care

Bahr Dental stands out as a premier option to efficiently treat painful dental emergency symptoms and protect the problematic area from future complications. We find joy in service and are here to ease your dental emergency.

These are some notable features of our dentistry practice that help build our reputation as a reliable dental provider:

Advanced Endodontic Treatment

Endodontics are tools that perform procedures on the inside of your teeth. Our modernized endodontic equipment makes emergency dental work more precise and efficient than ever before.

Technology for Comfort

Endodontics are tools that perform procedures on the inside of your teeth. Our modernized endodontic equipment makes emergency dental work more precise and efficient than ever before.

Laser Dentistry

Lasers make any incisions, gum treatments, or root canals pain-free and easier to recover from. This technology instantly removes infected gum and makes cleaner incisions during extractions or implant placement. Because they use heat, lasers instantly disinfect the area, and their precision makes them gentler on your gums.

Same-Day Appointments

Time is of the essence when it comes to emergency dental work. Our availability takes these circumstances into consideration. Bahr Dental is able to perform same-day treatment for many of our procedures, such as replacing missing teeth or addressing chipped teeth. Patients of record can also receive after-hours dental work for emergencies.

Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Children are just as susceptible to dental emergencies as adults. We are prepared to handle pediatric dental emergencies, and our team loves to work with young children—we even have training in calming them. Thankfully, children have milk teeth that, when lost, will be replaced with adult teeth. This makes some dental emergencies less traumatic for young smiles.

Sports Trauma

Sports are some of the most common places for dental emergencies, especially dental trauma.
Mouth guards are an important piece of equipment for any full or high-contact sport, such as soccer and wrestling. We recommend getting a custom mouth guard from Bahr Dental to help prevent dental emergencies.

Calming You During Dental Emergencies

We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful experiences. That is why we offer sedation dentistry at our office. Nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas) makes it easier for you to relax while we take care of your smile. We may also offer IV sedation or oral sedation, depending on the type and timing of your dental emergency. 

Nitrous oxide can be used during almost any procedure if you are a candidate, and it produces a calming effect. You can decide during your appointment that you would like nitrous oxide. You will still be able to communicate with our dental team and drive home after your appointment with this fast-acting solution for dental anxiety.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proactive care and healthy habits. Here are key steps to protect your teeth and gums and reduce the risk of emergencies:

  • Visit Bahr Dental Regularly | Visiting your dentist every 6 months allows for early detection of potential issues like cavities, gum disease, or cracked teeth. Preventative care keeps minor issues from escalating into emergencies.
  • Care for Your Smile | Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash keeps your teeth and gums healthy, reducing the risk of decay and infection.
  • Avoid Using Teeth as Tools | Opening packages or biting on hard objects like ice or pens can lead to chipped or broken teeth. Use proper tools instead.
  • Be Mindful of Your Diet | Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode enamel and cause decay. Opt for nutrient-rich foods that strengthen teeth and gums.
  • Intervene Early | If you notice something wrong with your oral health, address it with a visit quickly. This is especially important if you feel any pain.

Avoid the stress and discomfort of unexpected dental emergencies. You can protect your oral health by adopting these preventive measures.

If you ever wonder about the health of your smile, it is better to schedule an appointment now instead of needing to take time out of your day for an emergency visit later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

How quickly should I see a dentist for a dental emergency?

Most dental emergencies should be evaluated as soon as possible, ideally within the same day. Issues such as knocked-out teeth, severe pain, or swelling may require immediate treatment to prevent further complications. The sooner you contact Bahr Dental, the better the chances of preserving your natural tooth.

Can a toothache go away on its own?

Mild sensitivity may occasionally resolve itself. Persistent tooth pain is usually a sign of an underlying problem such as decay, infection, or a cracked tooth. Ignoring a toothache can allow the condition to worsen, potentially leading to more complex treatment later.

What should I bring to an emergency dental appointment?

Bring any pieces of a broken tooth or restoration with you to the appointment. It can also be helpful to bring a list of medications you are taking and any relevant medical information. This helps our dentist evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment quickly.

Are emergency dental visits covered by insurance?

Some dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency exams and necessary treatments. Coverage varies depending on the policy. Our team can help review your benefits and discuss payment options so you can focus on getting the care you need.

Can dental emergencies happen without pain?

Yes. Some dental emergencies develop without significant discomfort at first, such as cracked teeth, broken restorations, or infections that are still in early stages. Don’t ignore minimal pain. It is important to have the problem evaluated before it becomes more serious.

Do emergency dentists treat cosmetic damage?

Yes. In addition to relieving pain and treating infections, emergency dental care often includes repairing cosmetic damage, such as chipped or broken teeth. Restorations like dental bonding, crowns, or veneers can restore both the function and appearance of your smile after an accident.

Receive Instant Care With Bahr Dental

Drs. Bahr and Larson are prepared to help address your dental concerns right when you need them. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, feel free to call our office anytime to schedule an expedited dental emergency. We will do our best to help as soon as we can.

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