First line Dental

We See Dental Emergencies Fast

EMERGENCY DENTISTRY– MANCHESTER, CT

emergency dentistry in manchester, ct - Firsline Dental

Dental emergencies are never planned or enjoyable. At First Line Dental, our team strives to accommodate patients in need of urgent care as soon as possible, often providing same-day appointments. Don’t hesitate to contact us today in Manchester, CT!

Why Choose First Line Dental For Emergency Dentistry?

SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

TEAM OF EXPERIENCED SPECIALISTS & STAFF

MODERN TECHNOLOGY & AMENITIES

How To Handle Common Dental Emergencies

Some dental emergencies happen unexpectedly and can’ t be guarded against, such as a sudden fall or hit in the face. Physical injuries can lead to serious dental fractures, lost restorations, or even teeth that are knocked out altogether. On the other hand, the dreaded “ toothache” can happen when daily brushing and flossing are left by the wayside a little too often, leading to an advanced infection. At First Line Dental, we have the experience and clinical skill needed to tackle all these issues and more. Before you reach our dental office, though, here are some tips on what to do next:

How To Prevent Dental Emergencies

Our team is always ready to help you when you require urgent oral care. However, we are sure that you would prefer to prevent dental emergencies in Manchester from occurring in the first place. To reduce your risk of encountering such a situation, we have compiled a list of practical things you can do to safeguard your smile.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

We are more than just an emergency dental office in Manchester; we also offer general and preventive services. We invite you to visit us every six months for a cleaning and checkup. At these appointments, we can identify most oral health issues before they become serious and start to cause you pain. We also remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. If you have questions about how to care for your teeth at home, feel free to ask — we love to share our knowledge!

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits At Home

Maintaining a clean mouth at home can do much to prevent bacterial buildup and tooth decay. Here are a few tips on oral hygiene:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day. Be sure to clean along the gumline and the backs of your teeth.
  • Floss once a day. Flossing cleans the areas of your teeth that your brush cannot reach.
  • Drink plenty of water. Water rinses away debris and encourages saliva production.

Watch What You Eat

Sugar is a major contributor to cavities, so it is best to enjoy sweet treats only in moderation. You should also watch out for hidden sugars in items like juice and yogurt. Additionally, keep in mind that acidic foods and beverages, such as sports drinks, can erode your enamel, so it is best to avoid them if possible. Try to center your diet around foods that are rich in tooth-friendly nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D.

Wear A Mouthguard

If you like to play sports, it is important that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums from injury. An over-the-counter product may provide a degree of protection, but a custom mouthguard from a dentist is both more comfortable and more effective.

If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you may need a different type of mouthguard — one that is specifically designed to prevent your top and bottom teeth from causing mutual harm while you sleep.

Do Not Use Your Teeth As A Tool

It may be tempting to use your teeth to open packages, pry the lids off of bottles, or tear the tags off of new clothing. However, doing so is not wise. You could easily wear down your enamel or even break one of your teeth. It is best to use tools that are specifically designed to help you with the task at hand. Carrying a small knife or pair of scissors with you may help to spare your teeth from damage.

Cost Of Treating Emergencies

Every emergency appointment is different; some patients can be sent on their way with a simple prescription for medication, while others may need a new dental crown or state-of-the-art tooth replacement with dental implants. There’ s no way to tell until we see you in person! Rest assured, though, that First Line Dental accepts most insurances and offers flexible payment options to make your care as affordable and financially stress-free as possible. After a comprehensive evaluation, we’ ll provide a full breakdown of recommended services and cost information so that you can proceed confidently with care.

Dental Emergency Faqs

As an emergency dentist in Manchester, we are ready to serve you when you are most in need of dental care. Before you save our number in your phone, however, you might want to learn more about emergency dentistry and how you can handle various situations. Below, you will find answers to some common questions that our patients ask. If you are curious about something that is not discussed here, please give us a call  (860) 327-5990 so we can personally assist you.

Will My Toothache Go Away On Its Own?

Teeth cannot heal themselves, so toothaches are unlikely to disappear without professional treatment. However, there are some exceptions. In some cases, tooth pain is not actually coming from a tooth. It may originate in nearby structures, such as the sinuses or the gums. As such issues resolve, the tooth pain may subside as well.

A toothache can also disappear if a tooth dies, so that its nerve is no longer able to send pain signals to the brain. However, the infection that was causing the pain in the first place may still be present. Without treatment, it could continue to damage the surrounding bone and may even lead to systemic illness. Really, all toothaches merit a prompt visit to a dentist.

Should I Visit The Emergency Room First For Dental Emergencies?

Hospital staff members do not usually have the training nor the equipment to properly handle a dental emergency in Manchester. In most cases, they may simply provide some pain medication and urge you to visit a dentist as soon as possible.

However, you should visit the ER if you are experiencing any life-threatening symptoms related to your dental emergency. For example, if you have a high fever or it is difficult to breathe, the ER should be your first stop. A broken jaw, uncontrolled bleeding, and other significant injuries also call for a visit to the ER.

What Should I Keep In My Emergency Dentistry Kit?

Having an emergency dentistry kit can prepare you to minimize the pain and damage you may experience during a dental health crisis. It would be wise to keep the following items on hand:

  • A small storage container with a lid
  • Sterile gloves
  • Gauze and dressing
  • Cotton balls
  • Dental cement and denture adhesive
  • Pain medication (ibuprofen works well)
  • A topical anesthetic, such as Orajel or a similar product
  • Dental floss
  • An ice pack
  • Contact information for your dental practice
  • Your dental insurance information
  • An updated list of your current medications and medical conditions.

What Is Causing My Jaw Pain?

Jaw pain can have a wide range of causes. Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) is a common culprit; it often occurs during sleep, so many patients do not even realize they are doing it. Jaw injuries, a high-stress lifestyle, and TMJ disorder are other common reasons behind jaw pain. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth are to blame. When you visit us for your appointment, we can evaluate the situation and recommend an appropriate treatment.

Ready to book an appointment?

Book a consultation today or make an appointment using our convenient online appointment scheduler.

Open Hours

Monday - 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Tuesday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday - 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Thursday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday - 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Saturday - 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

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238-c Tolland Turnpike, Manchester Ct 06042
Call our office at (860) 327-5990

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TOOTHACHES

Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency?

A toothache in Manchester can have numerous causes, from minor problems to severe issues that require prompt treatment. Here are some indications that your toothache merits a call to your emergency dentist:

  • The pain is bad enough to interfere with your daily activities.
  • There is visible damage to a tooth.
  • There is an abscess on the gums. (An abscess often looks somewhat like a pimple.)
  • A tooth is darker than the ones around it.
  • You have a fever along with your toothache.

How You Should Handle a Toothache

Clean your mouth by rinsing it with warm water. If you think something may be stuck between your teeth, dental floss may help you remove it. It is fine to take painkillers. However, you should not topically apply aspirin to your tooth or gums. If you have an abscess, do not attempt to pop it.

How We Treat Toothaches

The best treatment for a toothache depends on its cause. You might need a relatively simple treatment, such as a prescription mouthwash or a small filling. However, it is also possible that you will require root canal therapy, a crown, or gum disease treatment. In some cases, removing an aching tooth altogether is the wisest course of action.

CHIPPED TOOTH

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A chipped tooth usually does not require the attention of an emergency dentist in Manchester. However, since the damage could easily worsen, it would be wise to seek care within a reasonable period of time.

How You Should Handle a Chipped Tooth

Immediately after you chip the tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water. Use a cold compress to keep swelling down. If the tooth has sharp edges that are irritating your cheek or tongue, try covering it with sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax.

How We Treat Chipped Teeth

Often, we are able to repair a chip with tooth-colored resin (dental bonding). The process is quick and affordable. However, its results tend to last for just a few years. If you are interested in a more permanent solution, ask us about getting a veneer instead. Veneers are made out of highly durable porcelain and often last for well over 10 years.

CRACKED TOOTH

Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A cracked tooth in Manchester may or may not call for emergency care — it depends on how severe the damage is. Keep in mind that you might have a damaged tooth even if a crack is not visible; they can occur beneath the gumline and on the sides of teeth. Any time you suspect that a tooth is not healthy, you should call your dentist.

How You Should Handle a Cracked Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it, and use a cold compress to keep any swelling to a minimum. Avoid using the tooth to bite on anything hard. Take painkillers if necessary.

How We Treat Cracked Teeth

In many cases, we can fill in a crack with tooth-colored resin (dental bonding). However, if the damage is severe, you might need root canal therapy and a crown. It is even possible that extraction will be necessary.

VERY SENSITIVE TEETH

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency?

Dental sensitivity occurs when outside stimuli irritate the inner layers of a tooth. It can have various causes, some of which are mild and others of which are quite serious. Any new or worsening sensitivity merits a phone call to your emergency dentist in Manchester.

How You Should Handle Sensitive Teeth

Give us a call, and we will provide guidance on your next steps. We might urge you to come in for an appointment right away, or we may provide tips on at-home care. For example, we might advise you to adjust your diet or use a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste.

How We Treat Tooth Sensitivity

After we examine your teeth, we will know how best to address your sensitivity. You might need something simple, like a fluoride treatment, prescription mouthwash, or a filling. However, it is also possible that you will require gum disease therapy, root canal therapy, or another complex treatment.

KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH

Is a Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A lost tooth in Manchester is an extremely urgent dental emergency. To increase the chances that the tooth can be replanted, you should receive care within an hour or so of it getting knocked out.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

Taking care to touch the tooth only on its top part (the crown), pick it up and rinse off any debris. Then, you must find a way to keep it moist. Ideally, you should place it back in its socket or tuck it between your cheek and gums. If neither of those options are possible, store it in milk or use a tooth preservation kit from a local pharmacy. Do not use plain water because it might cause damage to the tooth’s root surface cells.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth

If the tooth is still viable, we may be able to splint it back into its original place. As your body heals, it should reintegrate the tooth. However, if replantation is not possible, we will simply tend to the damage to your oral tissues and talk with you about future tooth replacement options. You might be eligible for a dental implant, bridge, or denture.

LOST FILLING OR CROWN

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency?

A lost filling or lost dental crown in Manchester is not a super-urgent emergency. However, you should still seek treatment relatively quickly because your exposed tooth is likely to incur further damage if it has no restoration to protect it.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown

You might be able to temporarily replace the restoration with a dab of toothpaste or dental cement. If that is not possible, store the filling or crown in a small container and bring it with you to your dental appointment. In the meantime, try to avoid chewing with the exposed tooth and do your best to keep it clean.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns

If the restoration is not badly damaged, we might be able to recement it into place. However, if either it or the tooth is badly damaged, you may need a whole new filling or crown. Your tooth may also require further restorative treatment.

BROKEN DENTURE

Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?

Wearing a broken denture in Manchester could easily injure your mouth, and not wearing a denture at all may be both inconvenient and embarrassing. You should certainly visit your dentist as soon as possible.

How to Handle a Broken Denture

Do not try to repair the denture on your own, and do not attempt to wear the broken denture. Store it somewhere safe and bring it with you to your dental appointment.

How We Treat Broken Dentures

In some cases, we are able to repair a broken denture in-house. However, it is more likely that you will need an entirely new prosthetic. If the latter is true in your case, you might consider this an opportunity to upgrade to implant-supported tooth replacement.

LOOSE PERMANENT TOOTH

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Yes, a loose tooth in Manchester is a dental emergency. Even if it does not hurt, it is in danger of falling out altogether.

How You Should Handle a Loose Permanent Tooth

Avoid doing anything that could cause the tooth to become even looser. For example, you should not chew hard foods or wiggle the tooth with your tongue or fingers.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth

Depending on the circumstances, we might be able to splint the tooth back into place so your body can once again gain a firm hold on it. If that is not possible, we may extract it and talk to you about your tooth replacement options.

INJURY TO THE GUMS, LIPS, OR TONGUE

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency?

Whether they happen during sports or under other circumstances, cuts on the oral soft tissues can bleed quite a bit. However, they are not always serious. You may or may not require emergency dental care.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Gently rinse the wound with water, and use gauze to control bleeding. A cold compress can help with swelling. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes or so, head to the local emergency room.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

We may clean the wound and stitch it closed. We will also examine your mouth for other potential signs of injury or damage.

JAW PAIN

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency?

Jaw pain can be an indicator of many different problems, which may be quite mild or very severe. Any new or worsening pain is a reason to call your emergency dentist in Manchester.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain

Call us and describe the situation.  We might provide instructions for at-home care or advise you to come in for an emergency appointment. Things like ice packs, pain medications, and facial massage might provide a bit of pain relief. If you suspect your jaw is broken, go to the local ER.

How We Treat Jaw Pain

The best treatment for jaw pain depends on its cause. We might recommend TMJ therapy, wisdom tooth extractions, a nightguard to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, or another treatment.

SOMETHING STUCK BETWEEN THE TEETH

You might be tempted to use tweezers, toothpicks, a knife, or another sharp object to poke out the debris between your teeth. However, doing so would be unwise because you might accidentally injure yourself. Instead, swish vigorously with water. You can also use dental floss. Tie a knot in the floss, insert it between your teeth, and try to use the knot to dislodge the debris. If your efforts to remove the object on your own prove to be unsuccessful, give us a call. We will do all we can to help you