When You Need Urgent Dental Care, I’m Here for You
I always focus on preventive care because I want you to enjoy a healthy smile for life. But even with the best care, dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. That’s why I make sure I’m ready to help when you need me most. If you’re in pain or facing a dental emergency in Atlanta or Sandy Springs, call me right away — I’ll do everything I can to protect your smile and relieve your discomfort.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation where you need quick help to stop pain, prevent further damage, or save a tooth. I see emergencies all the time: patients waking up with severe toothaches, kids who chip a tooth on the playground, or athletes who knock out a tooth during a game.
Here are the emergencies I treat most often:
- Severe toothache – Often caused by infection or abscess. I’ll relieve your pain quickly and treat the infection.
- Knocked-out tooth – If you act fast, I can often save it. Handle the tooth carefully, keep it moist, and get to me immediately.
- Broken or cracked tooth – I’ll stop your pain and restore function, often with a crown. If the damage is too severe, I can replace the tooth.
- Abscessed tooth – A painful infection that needs immediate treatment. I can drain the infection, prescribe antibiotics, and often save the tooth with a root canal.
- Lost crown – I’ll check the tooth and either reattach the crown or make a new one.
- Bleeding gums that won’t stop – I’ll examine and treat the cause, whether it’s an injury or gum disease.
How to Handle a Dental Emergency Before You Reach Me
Emergencies can be frightening, but quick action makes a huge difference:
- Call me right away – I prioritize emergencies and will get you in as fast as possible. You can connect with my emergency number through our phone tree when you call our office.
- Manage pain and bleeding – Use over-the-counter pain relievers and apply clean gauze to bleeding areas.
- Save a knocked-out tooth – Pick it up by the crown, rinse gently if needed, and place it back in the socket or in a cup of saliva until you get to my office.
- Saltwater Rinse: Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish gently for 30seconds, then spit. This reduces swelling and kills bacteria.
- Cold Compress: Hold an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) against your cheek near the painful area for 15 minutes. Do not use a compress for over 15 minutes at a time. This numbs pain and reduces inflammation.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Take pain medication as directed on the label. Avoid aspirin directly on gums because it can burn tissue.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
What isn’t a dental emergency?
Minor sensitivity, mild toothaches, or small chips without pain usually aren’t urgent, but you should still tell me about them before your next visit.
What if something’s stuck in my gums?
Try rinsing with saltwater and flossing gently. If it doesn’t come out, call me — I have the tools to remove it safely.
How can I manage pain at home until I see you?
Saltwater rinses, cold compresses, OTC pain relief, and keeping your head elevated can help. But don’t wait too long — call me if the pain persists.
How long do I have to save a knocked-out tooth?
The best chance is within 30 minutes, but sometimes I can save it up to 1–2 hours later if you keep it moist.
Can preventive care help avoid emergencies?
Absolutely. Regular checkups, cleanings, and good home care catch problems before they turn into emergencies.
Do you provide same-day care?
Yes. If you’re dealing with a severe toothache, broken tooth, or other urgent problem, I’ll see you the same day whenever possible.
Don’t Wait — Call Me for Emergency Dental Care
If you have a dental emergency in Sandy Springs or Atlanta, call me right away at 404-800-3381. For non-urgent issues, you can also schedule online or by calling my team. Either way, I’ll make sure you get the care you need to protect your smile.