What is a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies are no laughing matter. Dr. Bell strives to provide each and every patient (new or existing!) with fast pain relief and dental care as quickly as possible. Our Alexandria office is always here for patients who need treatments for dental emergencies.
Common emergencies that people call us with include:
- Abscessed Teeth
- Broken Fillings or Crowns
- Toothaches
- Fractured Teeth
- Swelling or Pain
How do I know if I have a dental emergency?
Many people call our Alexandria dentist because they aren’t sure whether or not a situation actually warrants itself as a dental emergency. The truth is, if your condition or situation is preventing you from going to work or school – it’s an emergency. You may be in pain or have a severe aesthetic concern that just can’t wait.
Are same day appointments available for dental emergencies?
Dr. Bell has specific times set aside each day to accommodate emergency patients. Please call our Alexandria office as quickly as possible in order for us to prepare everything necessary for your arrival. Once you arrive, we will work quickly to get you out of pain. In some cases, we may be able to restore your tooth on the very same day. If not, we will help to create a care plan that addresses your concern – such as an abscessed tooth or facial swelling.
What if I have a broken tooth?
It is recommended that you see Dr. Bell for your dental emergency within one hour of the accident. That way your chipped or broken tooth can possibly be salvaged and bonded back into place. If a fragment of your tooth has broken off – place it immediately into a cup of milk or saline solution. Do not attempt to clean the tooth off, as this can damage small fibers that aid in reattachment.
If your entire tooth is knocked out, gently rinse away any debris and place it back into its socket, if possible. Otherwise, keep it stored properly and bring it straight to our Alexandria dental office.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
New patients are always worked into our schedule when possible. The best thing to do is call our Alexandria office to let us know that you are on your way.
Existing patients – if you are calling after hours, please follow the prompts on our answering service. If needed, Dr. Bell may be able to prescribe medication to keep you comfortable until the next business day.
Don’t let your dental emergency leave you feeling miserable. Get urgent, qualified dental care from our experienced Alexandria dentist. Call us now! We are here to help you with your urgent and routine dental needs.
