Emergency Dental Services: What’s Included?

Dental emergencies don’t wait for business hours—and when they strike, the pain, stress, and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a broken tooth, severe toothache, or sudden swelling, emergency dental care ensures you get fast, targeted treatment when it matters most.

At McLevin Dental Clinic, we understand the urgency of dental emergencies. We offer same-day appointments and comprehensive emergency services to treat pain, stop infection, and restore oral function. This guide outlines what’s included in emergency dental care, the most common conditions we treat, and when to seek help.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to stop pain, control infection, preserve a tooth, or prevent long-term damage. Common signs include:

Severe, persistent toothache

Broken or knocked-out tooth

Swelling of the face, jaw, or gums

Bleeding that won’t stop

Broken dental restorations (crowns, bridges, fillings)

Trauma to the mouth, lips, or gums

Abscess or signs of infection (fever, pus, foul taste)

If your symptoms interfere with eating, sleeping, or daily function—or if pain increases rapidly—you need emergency dental care.

What’s Included in Emergency Dental Services?

Emergency dental care is designed to diagnose, stabilize, and treat urgent oral health issues. At McLevin Dental Clinic, our emergency services typically include the following:

1. Urgent Diagnostic Exam

The first step is identifying the root cause of your pain or injury. This includes:

Visual inspection of the affected area

Review of medical and dental history

Intraoral images or digital X-rays if needed

Testing for mobility, sensitivity, or infection

The goal is to quickly determine the severity of the issue and plan appropriate treatment.

2. Pain Relief and Stabilization

Dental emergencies often come with intense discomfort. Immediate relief may include:

Local anesthesia or numbing agents

Temporary dental fillings or crowns

Draining an abscess or infection

Prescribing antibiotics or pain medication

We prioritize eliminating pain and stabilizing the condition so it doesn’t worsen before your full treatment is completed.

3. Tooth Preservation or Replacement

One of the top goals in emergency care is saving natural teeth when possible. Services in this category include:

Reimplanting a knocked-out tooth (if treated within 30–60 minutes)

Splinting a loose or partially dislodged tooth

Performing a root canal on an infected or damaged tooth

Tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be saved

Placing a temporary crown or bridge if a restoration is lost

We assess every case to determine whether a tooth can be saved or replaced.

4. Treatment for Dental Infections

Dental infections can spread rapidly and become life-threatening if untreated. Emergency infection management may involve:

Draining pus or fluid buildup

Removing decayed or infected tissue

Prescribing antibiotics

Providing follow-up treatment (e.g., root canal, periodontal therapy)

If you have swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, you may have an oral abscess that requires urgent intervention.

5. Repair of Damaged Restorations

If you’ve lost or broken a crown, bridge, filling, or veneer, emergency services can:

Temporarily re-cement crowns or bridges

Replace lost or broken fillings

Adjust sharp edges to prevent soft tissue injury

Protect the exposed tooth from further damage

Prompt restoration keeps your bite functional and your teeth safe while you await permanent repair.

6. Soft Tissue Injury Management

Lacerations, cuts, or punctures to the lips, cheeks, or gums are common after accidents or sports injuries. Emergency care may include:

Cleaning and suturing the wound

Controlling bleeding

Checking for damage to teeth or jawbone

Removing any embedded objects or debris

Proper treatment minimizes infection risk and ensures cosmetic healing.

7. Emergency Orthodontic Repairs

For patients with braces or aligners, emergency services may also include:

Cutting or bending protruding wires

Reattaching or removing loose brackets

Adjusting appliances causing pain

Temporary fixes to retainers or aligners

Delaying treatment can lead to injury or delay your orthodontic progress, so prompt repairs are essential.

When Should You Go to the ER Instead?

While McLevin Dental Clinic handles most dental emergencies, certain conditions require hospital care, especially if:

You experience severe facial swelling affecting breathing or vision

You have high fever, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty swallowing

You have a jaw fracture or major head injury

In these cases, go directly to the emergency room. After stabilization, follow up with your dentist for continued care.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit

Here’s what a typical emergency appointment looks like at McLevin Dental Clinic:

Quick triage to assess the urgency of your condition

Focused dental exam and X-rays to identify the problem

Pain relief with local anesthesia or medication

Stabilization or treatment of the issue

A follow-up plan for comprehensive care (if needed)

Our team will ensure you’re comfortable, informed, and supported throughout your visit.

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies

While not all emergencies can be prevented, many are avoidable with smart habits:

Brush and floss daily to prevent decay and gum disease

Wear a custom mouthguard during sports

Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or non-food items

See your dentist for regular checkups every 6 months

Address minor issues before they become emergencies

Early treatment keeps problems from escalating—and saves you time, money, and discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies happen when you least expect them—but knowing what’s included in emergency dental services helps you act fast and get the care you need. From pain relief and infection control to urgent restorations and tooth preservation, McLevin Dental Clinic is here to restore your comfort and oral health—right when you need us most.