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Emergency Dentist & Dental Care in Dover, OH
When a dental emergency arises, acting swiftly can help prevent further complications and alleviate discomfort. Dr. Kevin D. Huff, a general dentist and orofacial pain specialist, is committed to making sure that his patients of record receive urgent dental care when needed in Dover, Canton, Zanesville, New Philadelphia, and surrounding areas of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Often with the availability of same-day emergency appointments and after-hours availability, Dr. Huff strive to ensure that his patients receive prompt attention in times of need.
If you’re an established patient of care facing a dental emergency, please reach out to our office at (330) 364-2011 for guidance and timely care. If you are not a patient of record, please call (330) 364-2011 so that we can schedule an urgent appointment as soon as possible to address your specific need.
What is Considered to be a Dental Emergency?
- Knocked-out Tooth (Avulsion)
A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention for the best chance of saving it. Try to place the tooth back in its socket or store it in milk or saliva. Success rates for reimplantation are highest if you reach Dr. Huff within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury. - Partially Dislodged Tooth (Extrusion)
If your tooth is partially dislodged, avoid wiggling it and apply gentle pressure to hold it in place. Stabilizing the tooth is crucial, and immediate treatment will improve the chances of saving it. - Broken Tooth (Fracture)
Depending on the severity of the fracture, a broken tooth may expose the nerve, which requires prompt treatment. Call Dr. Huff’s office if you’ve fractured a tooth to prevent infection and further damage. - Chipped Tooth
While some chipped teeth are only cosmetic issues, chips that cause pain or sharp edges should be addressed promptly. Dr. Huff can smooth the surface or provide bonding to restore your smile. - Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth often causes pain when biting or temperature sensitivity. The treatment depends on the severity of the crack, and Dr. Huff will evaluate whether it needs a crown or other intervention to prevent further damage. - Toothache
Severe tooth pain can indicate an infection, decay, or abscess. If you’re experiencing intense pain, swelling, or a fever, contact Dr. Huff for an immediate appointment to avoid complications. - Swelling of the Face or Jaw (Dental Abscess)
A dental abscess is a serious infection that requires urgent care. Symptoms include swelling, fever, and severe pain. If left untreated, abscesses can lead to dangerous conditions like cellulitis or sepsis. Dr. Huff provides immediate treatment for abscesses to control the infection and relieve pain. HOWEVER, go immediately to the nearest emergency room if you are experiencing any swelling of the eye or into the neck because dental abscesses of this nature can be life-threatening! - Broken Crown, Bridge, Filling, or Other Restoration
Broken dental restorations can expose nerves or sharp edges, causing pain. Temporary fixes, such as dental wax or over-the-counter dental repair kits, can help until you see Dr. Huff for a permanent solution. - Soft Tissue Injury (Gums, Tongue, Cheeks, Lips)
Lacerations or injuries to the gums, tongue, cheeks, or lips can result in significant bleeding. Clean the area with warm water and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Seek care from Dr. Huff if the bleeding continues or the cut is deep. - Jaw Dislocations (Locked Jaw)
Jaw dislocations require urgent attention to prevent long-term complications. - Objects Stuck in Teeth
Attempt to remove objects with dental floss, but avoid using sharp tools. If the object is deeply lodged, contact Dr. Huff to prevent damage to your teeth and gums. - Significant Oral, Face, or Head Pain
Persistent or severe pain may indicate an underlying issue such as an infection, muscle disorders, a TMJ disorder, or dental abscess. Dr. Huff will evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate the pain. - Uncontrolled Bleeding
If you experience uncontrolled bleeding, apply pressure with gauze and seek immediate help. This could be a sign of a serious condition that requires urgent dental care.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency?
1. Stay Calm and Call Your Dentist For immediate advice
2. First Aid Tips for Common Emergencies
- Knocked-out teeth: Rinse gently and place back in the socket, or store in milk.
- Fractures: Rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Soft tissue injuries: Clean the area and apply pressure to stop bleeding.
- Swelling: Use a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain relief.
Should I Go to the ER?
In cases where dental emergencies involve a broken jaw, severe abscess, or swelling that affects breathing, it may be necessary to visit the emergency room. Dr. Huff can handle most dental emergencies, but life-threatening situations should be treated by medical professionals at a hospital or urgent care center.
Not Sure if It’s an Emergency?
1. How to Tell If It’s an Emergency
Severe pain, swelling, or bleeding are clear indicators of a dental emergency. If you’re unsure, contact Dr. Huff for guidance.
2. Examples of Non-Emergencies
Loose fillings, mild sensitivity, or small chips without pain can typically wait for a regular appointment. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Huff if you have any concerns.
What Should I Do About My Dental Emergency in the Meantime?
While waiting to see Dr. Huff, you can manage discomfort with over-the-counter medications, cold compresses, and avoiding hard foods. Dental wax can be applied to sharp edges of a broken tooth or restoration to prevent further irritation.
Why Is Seeking Emergency Treatment Important?
Timely emergency dental care can prevent further damage, save teeth, and avoid infections that could spread and cause serious health issues. Dr. Huff’s emergency services are designed to protect your oral health and overall well-being.
Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can result from accidents, biting hard objects, or underlying dental conditions like severe decay or gum disease. If you experience a dental injury, it’s important to seek immediate care to minimize the risk of further complications.
Prevention of Dental Injuries
- Protective Gear
Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports or if you grind your teeth can protect against dental injuries. - Regular Dental Visits
Routine check-ups with Dr. Huff help detect potential issues before they turn into emergencies. - Avoiding Hard Foods
Stay away from hard foods that can fracture or chip teeth, such as ice or popcorn kernels. - Dental Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits helps prevent decay and gum disease, reducing the risk of dental emergencies.
In the event of a dental emergency, Dr. Kevin D. Huff and his team are here to offer expert assistance. Please contact our office at (330) 364-2011 for prompt advice and care. Serving Dover, Canton, Zanesville, New Philadelphia, and nearby communities, Dr. Huff is committed to helping patients manage their urgent dental needs as quickly as possible.
If you are experiencing breathing difficulty or severe swelling up toward your eye or into your neck, please go to your nearest emergency room.
Dental Emergency FAQ
A dental emergency typically includes situations like knocked-out teeth, severe tooth pain, uncontrollable bleeding, facial swelling, or signs of infection such as fever. Immediate attention is needed to prevent further damage or complications.
Mild toothaches may be managed temporarily with over-the-counter pain relievers and good oral hygiene. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, you should see a dentist immediately, as this may indicate infection or damage.
For knocked-out baby teeth, avoid trying to reinsert them but seek dental care. If your child has an injury from a fall or swelling, it’s important to contact a dentist right away to assess for damage. In the case of trauma to permanent teeth, handle them carefully and follow the same guidelines as for adults.
Ideally, you should see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. Proper handling of the tooth and immediate care significantly increase the likelihood of successful reimplantation.
Small chips may not require immediate care but should be assessed for sharp edges or pain. Large chips or fractures exposing the nerve should be treated as soon as possible to prevent infection and further damage.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and avoiding chewing on the affected side can help manage pain. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, as it can cause irritation.
The ER is necessary for life-threatening situations, such as broken jaws or swelling that obstructs breathing. For most dental emergencies, it’s better to contact a dentist like Dr. Huff, who can provide specialized care.
Apply gauze to the injury site and maintain firm pressure for 10 to 15 minutes to control the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, seek emergency dental care immediately.
If a crown or filling falls out, you can temporarily use dental cement or wax to cover the area and reduce discomfort. It’s essential to schedule a dental appointment promptly to avoid further complications, such as infection or damage to the tooth.
Handle the tooth carefully by the crown (avoid touching the root). If possible, place the tooth back in the socket or store it in milk or saliva. Seek dental care immediately to improve the chances of successful reimplantation.
A dental abscess is a serious infection that should not be treated at home. You must seek immediate dental care, as abscesses can spread infection to other parts of the body, potentially leading to severe health complications.
Swelling accompanied by fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing is a sign of a serious infection or other complications. Contact your dentist or go to the ER if breathing is affected.
Try using dental floss to gently remove the object. Avoid using sharp objects or tools, as these can damage your teeth or gums. If the object remains lodged, call your dentist.
If the cracked tooth is causing pain or sensitivity, or if it affects the nerve, it’s considered an emergency, and you should see a dentist as soon as possible. If there’s no pain, it can likely wait for a regular appointment, but you should still get it checked.
Try to locate an emergency dentist in the area or visit a local urgent care center. Many dental offices offer emergency services or can provide referrals.
Prevent dental emergencies by wearing a mouthguard during contact sports, avoiding hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels, and maintaining regular dental check-ups to catch potential issues early.
Dr. Huff offers after-hours emergency care. If you experience a dental emergency, call the office to receive instructions on how to proceed, including possible referrals to an emergency dental clinic if necessary.
The cost of an emergency dental visit depends on the treatment needed. Some services may be covered by insurance, but out-of-pocket costs can vary. Dr. Huff’s office can provide an estimate and discuss payment options or plans.
If a broken tooth causes pain, sensitivity, or exposes the nerve, it’s an emergency and should be treated right away. Delaying treatment can lead to infection, further breakage, or the need for more extensive repairs like root canals or extractions.
It’s important to consult a dentist before taking antibiotics for a dental infection. Self-medicating can mask symptoms without treating the underlying cause, potentially leading to more severe complications.
My child had just moved to Ohio from Michigan and they had turned 18 only a week ago. When they had a dental emergency 🚨 we reached out online they called my child within 24 hours and had them in the next day.
This was the first adult emergency situation they had to deal with and they were terrified. They were quickly put at ease by the pleasant environment and friendly staff.
Not only did they take care of the emergency but also, found another issue and spent time carefully explaining and educating on the issue. Additionally provided supplies and educational materials.
The prices were fair and they made my child with extreme anxiety very comfortable.
Thank you 🙏
– T. P.