Dental emergencies can happen at any time—on weekends, during holidays, or late at night when most dental offices are closed. Knowing what qualifies as a true emergency and what steps to take can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
If you're experiencing severe dental pain or trauma in Salem, Oregon, Pacific Crest Dental Group is here to help. Call us immediately at (503) 433-8163 for emergency dental care.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires urgent care, but some situations need immediate attention. Here are the most common dental emergencies we see at our Salem practice:
Severe Toothache
A persistent, severe toothache that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain medication could indicate an infection or abscess. If you have swelling, fever, or a foul taste in your mouth along with the pain, seek emergency care immediately.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken tooth from an accident or injury needs prompt attention, especially if the break exposes the inner pulp of the tooth. Even minor chips should be evaluated quickly to prevent further damage or infection.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical when a tooth gets knocked out. If you act quickly—within 30-60 minutes—there's a good chance we can save and reimplant the tooth. This is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious infection that appears as a painful, swollen bump on your gums. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body. Abscesses require immediate professional treatment.
Lost Filling or Crown
While not always painful, a lost filling or crown leaves your tooth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity. The exposed tooth needs protection as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
Immediate Steps to Take
What you do in the first few minutes after a dental emergency can significantly impact the outcome. Here's what to do for common emergencies:
For a knocked-out tooth:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), never the root
- Rinse it gently with water if dirty (don't scrub)
- Try to place it back in the socket if possible
- If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist in milk or saliva
- Get to our office within 30 minutes
For a broken tooth:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Save any broken pieces
- Take over-the-counter pain medication
- Call us immediately
For severe pain or abscess:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Take pain medication as directed on the label
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
- Never apply heat or place aspirin directly on the gum
- Contact us for same-day treatment
When to Call Pacific Crest Dental
Don't wait to see if the problem gets better on its own. Call Pacific Crest Dental Group at (503) 433-8163 if you experience:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain
- Bleeding that doesn't stop after 10 minutes of pressure
- Swelling in your mouth, face, or neck
- A knocked-out or broken tooth
- Signs of infection (fever, swelling, bad taste)
- Lost filling or crown causing pain
We prioritize emergency cases and will make every effort to see you the same day. Our Salem dental team has the experience and technology to handle any dental emergency with care and expertise.
After-Hours Emergency Care
Dental emergencies don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule. If you experience a serious dental emergency outside our regular business hours, call our main line at (503) 433-8163. Our after-hours service will provide guidance and connect you with emergency care if needed.
For life-threatening situations involving severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or signs of a serious infection spreading, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Prevention Tips
While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports
- Avoiding chewing on hard objects (ice, popcorn kernels, hard candy)
- Never using your teeth as tools to open packages
- Maintaining regular dental checkups to catch problems early
- Practicing good oral hygiene to prevent infections
Trust Pacific Crest Dental for Emergency Care
When a dental emergency strikes, you need a team you can trust. Pacific Crest Dental Group has been serving the Salem community with compassionate, skilled emergency dental care. We use the latest technology and techniques to provide fast, effective treatment when you need it most.
Don't wait if you're experiencing a dental emergency. Call Pacific Crest Dental Group at (503) 433-8163 now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does emergency dental care cost?
Emergency dental care costs vary depending on the treatment needed. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer payment options. Call us to discuss costs before your visit when possible.
Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Hospital emergency rooms can provide pain relief and antibiotics for infections, but they typically cannot perform dental procedures. For the best outcome, visit a dental office that can actually treat the underlying problem.
What if I can't reach my dentist during an emergency?
Call Pacific Crest Dental at (503) 433-8163. We prioritize emergency cases and have after-hours support to help guide you.
How do I know if my toothache is an emergency?
If you have severe pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medication, swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, it's an emergency. When in doubt, call us.