You’re enjoying dinner when you suddenly feel something crack—you bite down on a fork by accident, and part of your tooth breaks off. Or maybe you wake up at 2:00 a.m. with unbearable tooth pain and swelling in your jaw. In these moments, panic is understandable—but knowing what to do can make all the difference.

Peak Family Dentistry provides prompt, effective emergency dentistry in Chattanooga to care for situations like these. Let’s discuss what qualifies as a true dental emergency, how you can respond at home, and how to reduce your risk moving forward.

What Is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry refers to urgent dental care for problems that can’t wait for a regular appointment. These issues often involve significant pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma to the teeth, gums, or jaw. The goal is to stop the pain, stabilize your condition, and prevent long-term complications.

Some emergencies require immediate care in a dental office, while others may require a trip to the emergency room. Understanding the difference helps you act quickly.

When to Call Us vs. When to Visit the ER

Call us immediately if you experience:

• Severe or persistent toothache
  
• Knocked-out tooth
  
• Broken or cracked tooth with pain or sharp edges
  
• Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
  
• Lost crown or filling
  
• Abscess or signs of infection (fever, drainage, foul taste)
  

Go to the ER if you have:

• Bleeding that won’t stop
  
• Trauma involving the face or jaw
  
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
  
• Signs of a systemic infection (high fever, confusion)

Not sure what to do? Call our office at (423) 899-1948, and we’ll help you determine the best next step. We offer same-day emergency dentistry appointments whenever possible.

Common Dental Emergencies We See

Emergencies don’t always follow a script, but here are the issues we treat most often:

• Toothaches: Often caused by decay, infection, or nerve damage. Intense or throbbing pain should never be ignored.
  
• Abscesses are infections at the root or between the gum and tooth. They can spread quickly and require prompt treatment.
  
• Cracked or Broken Teeth: Result from trauma, grinding, or biting down on hard objects.
  
• Lost Crowns or Fillings: An exposed tooth can lead to sensitivity or further damage.
  
• Knocked-Out Tooth: Time matters—reimplantation is most successful within an hour.
  
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts to the tongue, cheeks, or gums can bleed heavily and may require stitches.

What to Do Before You Reach Us

Until you arrive at our office, here are a few ways to minimize pain and protect your tooth:

• Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Use a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
  
• Cracked or Broken Tooth: Rinse with water to clean the area. Avoid chewing on that side.
  
• Knocked-Out Tooth: Pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s impossible, store it in milk and bring it to us immediately.
  
• Lost Crown: Apply toothpaste to hold it in place temporarily.
  
• Bleeding Gums or Cuts: Use gauze with gentle pressure. If bleeding persists after 10 minutes, go to the ER.

We’ll guide you through any situation with calm, professional care. Our doctors are experienced in handling urgent dental needs with precision and compassion.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While not every emergency is avoidable, good habits can minimize many. Here’s what we recommend:

• Wear a mouthguard during sports or high-impact activities.
  
• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies.
  
• Don’t use your teeth to open packages.
  
• Maintain routine checkups so we can catch problems before they become urgent.
  
• Address dental pain early, even if it seems minor.

Emergencies tend to strike at the worst times. Being proactive can reduce your risk significantly.

Emergency Dentistry at Peak Family Dentistry in Chattanooga

When a dental emergency strikes, you want fast answers and skilled care. Peak Family Dentistry in Chattanooga provides emergency dentistry services to treat urgent issues promptly. Whether you’re dealing with a knocked-out tooth, painful infection, or a cracked crown, our team is ready to help—often the same day you call.

We’re equipped with advanced technology, and Drs. Cathey, Tori, and McAllister are trained to respond quickly and effectively to urgent situations. From emergency exams and digital imaging to same-day pain relief, we focus on stabilizing your condition and protecting your long-term oral health.

Immediate Support When You Need It Most

Knowing how to respond during a dental emergency can make all the difference. Recognizing the signs, taking the proper steps at home, and seeking prompt care can protect your health and smile.

Peak Family Dentistry offers emergency dentistry to relieve pain, prevent complications, and protect long-term oral health.

If you’re in the Chattanooga area, save our number now: (423) 899-1948. Call to schedule your emergency visit and get the care you need—without delay!