Dental emergencies are unpredictable and often frightening. A sharp toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken crown can leave you in pain and scrambling for answers.
In these stressful moments, knowing what to do (and where to turn) can make all the difference.
If you live in Burlington County, help is close at hand. During a dental emergency in Moorestown or Cinnaminson, Alpha Dental Spa is here to ease your pain quickly and give you the treatment you need to protect your teeth.
Understanding Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is any situation where your oral health requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, treat infection, or save a tooth.
Unlike minor cavities or routine checkups, emergencies cannot wait.
Common warning signs include:
Intense or persistent tooth pain
Severe swelling of the face or gums
Uncontrolled bleeding
Knocked-out or broken teeth
Dental restorations that have failed or loosened
Delaying care often allows small problems to escalate, turning manageable pain into issues like infection, tooth loss, or costly treatments.
Common Types of Dental Emergencies
For patients in Moorestown and Cinnaminson, these are the most common dental emergencies that bring people to the dentist’s chair.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. Handle the tooth carefully by the crown, never the root, and gently rinse it if it's dirty. If possible, place it back in the socket.
If you can’t place the tooth back in its socket, don’t throw it away. Instead, keep it moist so the root cells don’t dry out.
The easiest option is to put it in a small container of milk. If milk isn’t available, place the tooth in a tooth-preservation kit (sold at most pharmacies) or even hold it gently in your cheek until you reach the dentist. Keeping the tooth moist gives your dentist the best chance of saving it.
Severe Toothache
A toothache that persists or worsens could be caused by deep decay, an infection at the root of the tooth, or irritation of the nerve.
If left untreated, the infection can spread from the tooth into your jaw and potentially the rest of your body. The safest step is to see a dentist right away so the cause can be treated before it becomes more dangerous.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
Even a small crack in a tooth can lead to pain and infection if not treated quickly. If your tooth breaks or cracks, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to keep it clean, place a cold compress on the outside of your face to reduce swelling, and avoid chewing on that side until you reach the dentist.
Swelling or Infection
Swelling in your gums, jaw, or face usually points to an infection. If the swelling comes with a fever, the infection may already be spreading.
This is an urgent situation, and you’ll need immediate care to bring the infection under control. In some cases, the infected tooth might need to be removed and later replaced with a dental implant.
Emergencies Involving Restorations and Implants
Dental emergencies aren’t limited to natural teeth. Patients with restorations or prosthetics can also face urgent situations that require immediate professional care.
Implant-Related Emergencies
Dental implants are built to last for many years, but they can still develop problems. Sometimes an implant may start to feel loose because of bone changes or infection in the gums.
Trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the face, can also damage the crown or the small connector (abutment) that holds it in place.
If you notice your implant moving, feel sudden pain, or see swelling around the area, call your dentist right away. Quick treatment can protect your implant and keep the surrounding bone and gums healthy.
Bridge Emergencies
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth, but it can crack, chip, or even loosen if you bite into something hard or suffer an injury. When this happens, the teeth under the bridge may be exposed, leading to pain and sensitivity.
If your bridge feels unstable or has broken, avoid chewing on that side and schedule an emergency appointment. Timely repair helps prevent infection and ensures your bite stays properly balanced.
Denture Emergencies
Denture wearers may face different kinds of emergencies. A broken denture can make eating difficult, while an ill-fitting one can cause painful sores and irritation. Beyond the discomfort, this can also affect your ability to speak clearly and feel confident in daily life.
In urgent cases, a dentist can repair or reline your denture, or recommend a replacement if needed, so you can return to normal function as quickly as possible.
No matter the type of emergency, from a knocked-out tooth to a broken denture, Alpha Dental Spa offers emergency services to relieve pain and restore your smile.
Immediate Steps to Take Before Seeing a Dentist
When you’re in the middle of a dental emergency, it’s easy to panic. Taking the right steps at home can reduce pain, limit damage, and sometimes even save a tooth.
Here’s what you can do while you arrange to see a dentist:
Use a cold compress for swelling: Hold an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel against the outside of your cheek. Apply it for 10–15 minutes at a time. This reduces swelling and can help numb the area to ease pain.
Control bleeding with clean gauze: If your mouth is bleeding, fold a piece of sterile gauze and gently bite down on it. Keep steady pressure for 10–15 minutes, and replace the gauze if it becomes soaked. This helps slow bleeding until you reach the dentist.
Manage pain safely: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief. Always follow the directions on the package, and avoid putting pills directly against your gums – this can burn the tissue and make things worse.
Protect a knocked-out tooth: If a tooth has come out, handle it carefully by the crown (the part you see when you smile). Do not scrub it or remove tissue fragments. If you can, gently place it back in its socket or keep it moist in a small container of milk or saline solution.
Avoid making the problem worse: Don’t chew on the injured side of your mouth, avoid hard or sticky foods, and resist the urge to “test” the tooth or restoration. Giving the area a break until professional care is available will prevent further damage.
After addressing the immediate issue, your next step should be to contact a trusted local provider, such as Alpha Dental Spa.
Emergency Dental Care in Moorestown and Cinnaminson
For patients in Burlington County, Alpha Dental Spa in Cinnaminson offers same-day emergency dental appointments for individuals and families from Moorestown, Cinnaminson, and nearby communities.
Our emergency services include:
Tooth repairs for chips, fractures, and cracks
Treatment for infections and abscesses
Pain relief and swelling management
Extractions when necessary
Emergency care for crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restorations
Conveniently located near Moorestown, our office is easy to reach and committed to providing fast relief when you need it most.
When to Go to the ER Instead of the Dentist
Most dental emergencies can be treated by a dentist, but some situations are too serious to wait. If you experience any of the following, go to the emergency room right away:
Severe trauma to the face or jaw, such as from a car accident or sports injury
Uncontrolled bleeding that does not slow after applying pressure
Fractures or dislocations of the jaw or facial bones
Swelling that blocks breathing or swallowing, which may indicate a life-threatening infection
In these cases, ER doctors can provide immediate medical care and pain control. Afterward, your dentist can step in to restore your teeth and oral health.
Conclusion
A dental emergency can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Acting quickly, knowing what steps to take, and trusting a skilled local provider ensures the best possible outcome.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Moorestown or Cinnaminson, don’t wait. Contact Alpha Dental Spa at (856) 829-1989 for same-day emergency dental services
Our caring team is ready to relieve pain, treat infections, repair damage, and restore your smile.