Dental emergencies have a way of happening fast. One minute, everything’s fine. The next, you’re in pain, swelling, or bleeding—and suddenly searching for answers. According to the CDC, over two million people visit emergency departments each year due to dental problems.
At Fountain of Youth Dental, we want you to feel empowered—not panicked—when something goes wrong. Whether it’s a broken tooth, an infection, or intense pain, knowing what to expect during an emergency dental visit can make a big difference in how you respond.
This guide walks you through the most common emergency dental procedures, what they involve, and how to prepare and recover.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires urgent treatment, but some symptoms definitely do. Severe pain, infection, bleeding, or trauma usually mean something needs attention quickly.
Common signs that you may need an emergency dental procedure include:
- Persistent or sharp tooth pain
- A knocked-out, broken, or loose tooth
- Facial swelling or jaw pain
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Visible abscess or signs of infection (pus, bad taste, fever)
If you’re unsure, call us at (210) 614-5481. We’ll help you determine if it’s an emergency and guide you on what to do next.
Emergency Tooth Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged or infected to save—and that’s when an emergency extraction is necessary. This is one of the most common emergency procedures we perform.
Extractions may be needed for:
- Severe decay or infection
- Impacted teeth causing pain or swelling
- Trauma that breaks the tooth beyond repair
- Advanced gum disease affecting tooth stability
Here’s what to expect:
We’ll numb the area so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Once the tooth is removed, we’ll place gauze to stop bleeding and go over detailed aftercare instructions.
Recovery involves:
- Resting for at least 24 hours
- Avoiding straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing
- Eating soft foods for a few days
- Using ice to reduce swelling if needed
Most people recover from a simple extraction in a few days. We’ll check in and schedule a follow-up if needed.
Root Canal Therapy for Infections or Deep Decay
A root canal might sound intimidating—but it’s actually a powerful way to relieve pain and save your natural tooth.
You might need a root canal if you have:
- Persistent pain in one tooth
- Swelling near the gums
- A tooth that feels “off” or sensitive to temperature
- A visible abscess or pimple near the tooth root
During the procedure:
We numb the area, remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and seal it. Often, we’ll place a temporary filling and schedule a follow-up for the crown.
Aftercare includes:
- Managing mild discomfort with over-the-counter medication
- Avoiding hard or crunchy foods until the permanent crown is placed
- Attending follow-up visits to finish the restoration
Most patients feel almost immediate relief once the infection is cleared.
Temporary or Permanent Dental Crowns
Crowns are often part of emergency treatment when a tooth is cracked, broken, or weakened after a root canal. Crowns restore structure and protect the tooth long-term.
In an emergency, we may place a temporary crown first, then replace it with a permanent one later.
Here’s how it works:
- We shape the tooth and take an impression
- A temporary crown is placed to protect the area
- You return for your custom crown in about two weeks
Post-procedure care includes:
- Avoiding sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the temporary crown
- Being gentle when brushing or flossing around the area
- Letting us know if the temporary crown feels loose or causes pain
Crowns are a reliable way to restore function and appearance after trauma or decay.
Emergency Dental Fillings
If a filling falls out or a cavity causes sudden pain, we may place an emergency filling to protect the tooth and relieve symptoms.
This is a quick and simple procedure:
- We clean the area to remove bacteria
- We place a tooth-colored composite filling to seal the cavity
Aftercare includes:
- Avoiding chewing on the side of the filling for a few hours
- Watching for sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Following up if the pain returns or worsens
Fillings are a great short- or long-term fix, depending on the situation.
Incision and Drainage of Abscesses
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by infection. It’s painful, and the pressure can build quickly.
When an abscess becomes large or causes swelling, we may perform an incision and drainage procedure to relieve pressure and reduce pain.
What to expect:
- We’ll numb the area before making a small incision to drain the pus
- We’ll clean the site thoroughly and may prescribe antibiotics
Aftercare involves:
- Taking medication as directed
- Keeping the area clean and avoiding hard foods
- Returning for additional treatment (like a root canal or extraction) to treat the underlying cause
Relieving the pressure usually brings immediate relief.
Preparing for Your Emergency Dental Visit
When you’re in pain, preparation is the last thing on your mind. But a few quick steps can make your visit smoother.
Try to do the following:
- Bring a list of any medications you’re taking
- Note your symptoms and when they started
- Save any broken tooth fragments or restorations (like a lost crown)
- Call ahead if possible so we can prepare for your arrival
We’ll guide you through everything when you get here. You’re not in this alone.
Recovering After an Emergency Dental Procedure
Recovery depends on the procedure, but there are some universal tips that apply in most cases:
- Take it easy for the first 24 hours
- Stick to soft foods and stay hydrated
- Avoid anything that might disturb the area (like smoking or vigorous rinsing)
- Follow all aftercare instructions we provide
And if you have questions later? Just call us. We’re happy to follow up and make sure you’re healing well.
Let Us Help You Through It
Dental emergencies are stressful—but you don’t have to go through them alone. At Fountain of Youth Dental, we treat urgent cases with speed, compassion, and skill.
Call us at (210) 614-5481 if you’re in pain, notice swelling, or something just doesn’t feel right. We’ll help you feel better fast.
