Columbia’s Quick Fix: Finding an Emergency Dentist When You Need It Most

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than two million Americans visit a hospital emergency department (ED) for dental pain every year – some of whom live right here in Columbia, SC.

That’s two million people who don’t have immediate access to a dentist. 

Two million people who are in so much pain they have to go to the ER. 

At Soda City Dentistry, we believe in a world where dental patients don’t need to wait for the treatment they so desperately need – especially when dental emergencies are more common now than ever before.

The Columbia, SC community deserves better. 

But don’t worry – that’s where we come into play.

Dr. Rob Guerriero and his talented team will do whatever possible to schedule same-day appointments to ensure they’re ready and available when their patients need them the most – like the heroes they are. 

Dental Emergency: When Should You Seek Immediate Care? 

I know some of you are probably asking yourself – isn’t every dental problem a dental emergency? 

In a way, yes – not receiving treatment for a dental problem usually causes symptoms to worsen, which can affect an individual’s quality of life. At that point, the dental problem would be a dental emergency.

If we’re being technical, then no – not all dental problems are considered emergencies. 

In fact, a dental emergency is a ‘collection of potentially life-threatening diagnoses requiring immediate treatment to stop bleeding, remedy the infection, and alleviate severe pain’ – according to the ADA. 

But that’s not to say all dental emergencies put your life in danger. 

In general, a dental emergency is any condition, injury, or problem involving the teeth and/or gums that requires immediate medical attention to prevent biological, functional, or aesthetic complications. 

And they can be broken down into three main categories – traumatic, infectious, and post-procedural. 

1. Traumatic Dental Emergencies

Traumatic dental emergencies result from physical injury to the teeth, gums, or surrounding structures, and some of the most common causes include falls, accidents, sports injuries, and biting hard objects. 

For example, the following situations would be considered a traumatic dental emergency: 

• Teeth that are completely dislodged from the alveolar socket (avulsion)
• A break, crack, or fracture in the tooth that causes immense pain
• A tooth that has been pushed out of its normal position (luxation)
• Lacerations, cuts, or bruises to the gums, lips, tongue, or cheeks

Not treating a traumatic dental emergency in a timely manner can result in the site of injury becoming an avenue for bacterial invasion – at which point the traumatic emergency will turn into an infectious one. 

2. Infectious Dental Emergencies

Infectious dental emergencies are caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, and untreated cavities (caries) are the No. 1 source – along with poor dental hygiene, gum disease, and dental abscesses.

For example, the following dental problems would be considered an infectious emergency: 

• Pulpitis, which is inflammation of the dental pulp, or tissue in the center of a tooth.
• Pulp necrosis, which occurs when the pulp tissue inside a tooth dies.
• Periodontitis, which damages the soft tissues and bones that support your teeth.
• Dental abscesses, which are pus-filled cavities caused by bacterial infections.
• Necrotizing periodontal disease, which affects the gum and other tissues around the teeth.
• Pericoronitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissue around wisdom teeth.

Proper oral hygiene, mitigatng health risk factors, early identification, and receiving treatment in a timely manner can help reduce the prevalence of dental infections and the risk of life-threatening complications.

3. Post-Procedural Dental Emergencies

Post-procedural dental emergencies are any emergency that occurs after a dental treatment or surgery – usually due to a complication or reaction to dental extractions, root canals, implants, fillings, or crowns. 

For example, the following post-procedural issues would be considered a dental emergency: 

• Prolonged bleeding, usually persisting for longer than eight to twelve hours
• Alveolar osteitis (dry socket), which occurs when a blood clot fails to form or is dislodged
• Post-operative infection, which can form at the treatment site following most procedures
• Failed restoration, which includes dislodged or broken implants, dentures, and/or braces

Lack of, delayed, or inappropriate dental treatment may lead to more serious complications, including a large intraoral hematoma, severe blood loss, and compromise of a patient's airway in some cases.

Nipping Pain in the Bud: Quick Solutions Before Your Dental Visit

Dental emergencies can be quite stressful, and while it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible, there are a few at-home remedies that can alleviate discomfort and manage the pain until you get help.

Even if you’re only waiting for an hour or two – every minute of relief counts. 

For example, over-the-counter medication (such as Ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help alleviate pain from a toothache, while applying a gauze pad to the affected tooth/area can help stop or reduce bleeding.

Here are some other DIY remedies while waiting for your dentist appointment: 

• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and numb pain.
• Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth to reduce inflammation and clean the area.
• Apply gels or creams containing benzocaine (like Orajel) to the affected area for numbing relief. 
• Apply a small amount of clove oil to the affected area using a cotton ball to relieve pain.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and reduce the risk of further infection.

And in the case of an avulsed tooth (knocked-out tooth), don’t throw the tooth away. Handle the tooth carefully, avoid touching the root, always hold it by the crown, and soak it in milk or a saline solution. 

In the Nick of Time: Contact Us Today for Immediate Assistance

Are you experiencing a traumatic, infectious, or postoperative dental emergency that needs immediate medical attention? Are symptoms growing worse by the minute? Are you in an immense amount of pain?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then don’t panic – you’ve come to the right place!

Welcome to Soda City Dentistry – where same-day appointments are just one phone call away!

Dr. Rob Guerriero and his team understand the urgency and distress dental emergencies can cause, and take pride in offering quick and effective solutions to alleviate pain and address the root of the problem.

‍Contact us today at (803)-794-5430 or book an appointment online if you need an emergency dentist.