Prompt care for dental emergencies in Augusta, GA
Sometimes dental problems simply can not wait. That is why we do our best to accommodate dental emergencies in Augusta, GA. If you have suffered a traumatic injury or are experiencing any other situation that poses an imminent threat to your oral health, contact Augusta Endodontic Center. We will see you as quickly as possible.
How soon are dental emergencies treated?
Our office is open from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm on Friday. If the emergency is during office hours, we will make every effort to see you the very same day. For afterhours emergencies, we will schedule you an appointment as soon as possible.
If you have a dental emergency, please call us immediately at (706) 800-9118 so that we can make arrangements to accommodate you as soon as possible.
What is a dental emergency?
Any situation that poses an immediate health threat or causes unbearable pain may be considered an emergency. Most often, this is the result of an injury. However, infections that suddenly worsen can also become emergencies. Keep in mind that some emergencies are not painful. For example, a fractured tooth might not hurt, but it can lead to infection, nerve damage, and other serious oral health problems. Therefore, you should seek help immediately, even if you are not in pain.
Some of the most common types of emergencies that we see include:
- Knocked out teeth
- Partially dislodged teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Lost crown or other restoration
- Severe tooth or jaw pain
- Infection
- Painful or swollen gums
Saving a knocked-out tooth
All emergencies are urgent, but a knocked-out permanent (adult) tooth is especially time sensitive. That is because there is a limited timeframe for potential reattachment. If a tooth is knocked out, follow these steps right away:
- Contact us immediately for instructions and emergency care
- Handle the tooth very carefully, and do not touch any tissue that is still attached to it
- Place the tooth back in its socket very gently if you can
- If the tooth will not go back in place easily, do not force it. Instead place it in a container of milk to keep it moist. If milk is not available use water with a small pinch of salt added.
Managing pain
When you visit our office, we will work to get you out of pain as soon as possible. If you cannot make it here immediately, try these tips to keep you comfortable in the meantime:
- Take ibuprofen or other over the counter pain medication as directed. Do not take aspirin, and do not exceed recommended dosage of any medication.
- Try rinsing with warm water to ease sore gums and teeth.
- An ice pack applied to the outside of the cheek can control swelling and reduce pain.
- Over the counter topical dental anesthetic with benzocaine may be used according to the directions on the label.
- If teeth are sensitive, avoid foods and beverages that are extremely hot or cold.
- An externally applied heating pad can ease jaw pain.
- Cover sharp edges of a broken tooth with sterile cotton to protect soft tissues.
We are here when you need us
In case of a dental emergency, please call us at (706) 800-9118 immediately.
Dr. Emmanuel Ngoh has over
20 years of experience in dentistry. An alumnus of the Medical College of Georgia’s Schools of Dentistry
and Allied Health and Kennesaw State University, he practiced as a General Dentist for
four years before specializing in endodontics. He founded Augusta Endodontic Center to fulfill the
endodontic needs of patients in the area.
Dr. Ngoh is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, American Dental
Association, Christian
Medical and Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, and Augusta Dental
Society. He is a Faculty Member of the Georgia Regents University, College of Dental
Medicine and has contributed to many research projects and journals. His efforts have been
recognized with many awards and being voted as one of Augusta‘s Top Dentists by the Augusta
Magazine.