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What are Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies are urgent oral health problems that need immediate care because they involve severe pain, bleeding, infection, or trauma. These issues can quickly get worse without prompt treatment.

Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly and often require immediate attention to prevent further complications. Here are some common dental emergencies and their descriptions:

  • Severe toothaches: Persistent and intense pain in a tooth that can be caused by decay, infection, or trauma.
  • Broken or chipped teeth: Damage to the tooth's structure due to accidents or biting on hard objects can cause pain and sensitivity.
  • Knocked-out teeth: A tooth completely dislodged from its socket due to trauma or injury, requiring urgent care to save the tooth.
  • Lost fillings or crowns: These are restoration pieces that have fallen out, leaving the tooth vulnerable to damage and decay.
  • Dental abscesses: Infections that cause swelling, pain, and pus formation in the gums or tooth root, often requiring antibiotics and drainage.
  • Bleeding gums or injuries: Damage to the gum or soft tissues in the mouth, which can result from trauma, gum disease, or irritation.

Gentle Dental Brookline

1037A Beacon St.
Brookline, MA 02446

Dental Office Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday CLOSED
More Information

Metered street parking available. Located at Saint Mary’s Street stop on the MBTA C-Line.

Gentle Dental Brookline

1037A Beacon St.
Brookline, MA 02446

Dental Office Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday CLOSED
More Information

Metered street parking available. Located at Saint Mary’s Street stop on the MBTA C-Line.

Gentle Dental Brookline Reviews

  • SG

    Sasha Grigoryeva

    Brookline, MA

    It was amazing! I did the intro deal of $79 for x-rays, exam and tooth cleaning. People were professional and fast! I already made an appointment for my next cleaning in 6 months! 100% recommend

  • LG

    Linda Garmon

    Brookline, MA

    I recommend this office! I received a very thorough cleaning, set of x-rays, and exam. The doctor was perfect, and he took his time explaining options for minor dental matters I’d like to address. I’m definitely going back. The doctor I had began in the business sterilizing equipment when he was still in high school. He knows about all jobs in this particular health field, and he has a great chair-side manner.

  • PB

    Phyllis Barajas

    Brookline, MA

    Scheduling was well managed. My dentist provided very clear feedback on how I was doing. We discussed options going forward. He was good at putting me at ease versus my being anxious. He was a good listener

Dental Services in Brookline, MA

For more than just emergency care, our Brookline dental office provides a full spectrum of dental services. Whether you need a standard examination or complex cosmetic treatments, our team is equipped to handle all your dental requirements. Discover the variety of services we offer.

Dealing with a Dental Emergency?

Don't let dental pain disrupt your life. Our emergency dentist is ready to provide prompt, effective treatment for many dental emergencies in Brookline, MA, at our emergency clinic. We're here to help when you need us most, from toothaches to injuries.

Book an Appointment for Emergency Dental Care

In moments of dental distress, immediate access to expert care is crucial. At our Brookline, MA, location, we specialize in providing prompt and effective emergency dental services.

Understanding the urgency of such situations, our dedicated team ensures swift, compassionate care to address your discomfort and initiate recovery. Trust us to offer the support and solutions you need, leveraging our experience and commitment to patient well-being to guide you through this stressful time easily and confidently. For those in need of urgent care, we offer same day emergency dentist services to address your situation as quickly as possible.

  • Tooth loss
  • Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
  • Severe toothaches or dental abscesses
  • Lost fillings or crowns
  • Damaged dentures or bridges
  • Bleeding and Swollen Gums
  • Swollen jaw
  • Persistent sores
  • Object stuck between teeth

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies at Gentle Dental

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, but knowing how to manage them until you can see your dentist can make a big difference. Here are some tips to handle common dental emergencies:

1. Toothache

A toothache may not always require emergency care, but it should be taken seriously, as it can indicate a bigger problem. Causes include dental decay, cracked teeth, gum disease, or sinus infections.

How to manage a toothache:

  • Floss gently to remove food particles stuck between teeth.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (1/2 tsp of salt in 8 oz of water).
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (avoid aspirin on the sore area).
  • Apply a cold compress to your cheek if swelling is present.
  • If pain persists, schedule an appointment at Gentle Dental Brookline as soon as possible.

2. Tooth Trauma

Tooth trauma, such as a knocked-out, chipped, or cracked tooth, requires prompt attention.

Knocked-out Tooth:

  • If it’s a baby tooth, do not attempt to put it back in place; instead, apply pressure to stop bleeding and contact your child’s dentist.
  • For a permanent tooth, locate the tooth immediately. Hold it by the crown (not the root).
  • Do not scrub or use chemicals to clean it. Rinse it gently with water if necessary.
  • Place the tooth back into the socket if possible or keep it moist in milk or an emergency tooth preservation solution (not tap water).
  • Call Gentle Dental Brookline immediately. The tooth may be re-implanted if seen within 30 minutes to an hour.

Chipped or Broken Teeth:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress.
  • Bring the broken tooth piece with you to your dental appointment at Gentle Dental Brookline.

3. Bitten or Cut Tongue, Cheek, or Lip

Injuries to the mouth can be alarming due to bleeding, but most of these injuries are not serious.

How to manage the injury:

  • Gently clean the wound with water.
  • Apply pressure to stop any bleeding with moist gauze or a towel.
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • For deeper cuts or persistent bleeding, contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Additional Tip:

If you wear orthodontic braces and experience a loose wire or bracket causing irritation, contact your orthodontist immediately for advice on how to handle it until you can get back to the dental office.

Why Choose Gentle Dental for Your Emergency Dental Needs?

  • Immediate Appointments: Quick access to care when you need it.
  • Affordable Solutions: Transparent pricing and options to fit your budget.
  • Comprehensive Care: From diagnostics to treatment, we handle all types of dental emergencies.
  • Experienced Team: Skilled professionals ready to alleviate your pain and address the issue.

Insurance Coverage for Emergency Dental Care

Most dental insurance plans include coverage for both standard and emergency dental treatments. To fully understand the scope of your benefits and how they apply to emergencies, we encourage you to contact our Brookline, MA, Gentle Dental office.

Our Patient Care Representatives are available to answer your questions, help you navigate your insurance options, and ensure you make the most of your coverage for emergency dental care. Don't let uncertainty about insurance prevent you from seeking the urgent care you need. Reach out to us, and let's explore your coverage together, ensuring you receive the prompt and effective treatment necessary for your dental emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental care to alleviate severe pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or save a tooth. It can include severe infections, knocked-out teeth, broken or cracked teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and acute gum or tooth pain. Suppose you're experiencing intense discomfort or have suffered dental trauma. In that case, it's crucial to seek emergency dental services promptly to prevent further complications and ensure the best possible outcome for your oral health.
 

How should you respond to a dental emergency?

A dental emergency involves sudden dental pain or trauma that needs immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Dealing with a dental emergency starts with staying calm and contacting your dentist as soon as possible. Many dental offices, including Gentle Dental in Brookline, MA, offer emergency services and can guide you on immediate steps, such as rinsing your mouth with warm water, applying a cold compress to reduce swelling, or carefully placing a knocked-out tooth back in its socket if possible.
 

Are emergency dental services available after hours?

Understanding that dental emergencies don't adhere to regular business hours, our office strives to accommodate patients by offering extended hours, including nights and weekends. It ensures you have access to urgent dental care when you need it the most. Please call our office to check the availability of emergency appointments outside of traditional hours, and we'll do our utmost to provide you with timely care.
 

What can you expect during an urgent care visit at Gentle Dental?

When you visit Gentle Dental for urgent dental care, you can expect a compassionate, efficient, and thorough response to your emergency. Our experienced team will quickly assess your situation, provide immediate relief for any pain, and determine the best action to address the underlying issue. We're committed to making your emergency visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible, offering clear explanations of your treatment options and next steps.
 

What can you do for a child with tooth pain?

If your child is experiencing a toothache, it's important to act quickly to relieve their discomfort and address the cause. Start by gently rinsing their mouth with warm water and using floss to remove any food particles that may be irritating. If the pain persists, contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible for an appointment. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the sore area, as this can cause gum tissue damage. Your dentist will determine the root cause of the toothache and provide the appropriate treatment to alleviate the pain and prevent further issues.
 

Are non-emergency issues still being examined?

Even issues that don't seem urgent, like mild tooth sensitivity or small chips, should be evaluated by a dentist on time. These minor problems can quickly evolve into more serious conditions if left untreated. By addressing dental concerns early, you can avoid the development of a dental emergency down the line. Regular check-ups and prompt attention to potential issues can help maintain your oral health and prevent the need for emergency care.
 

What are the usual dental medical emergencies?

Emergency dental care services can encompass various procedures to address urgent issues. These include but are not limited to pain management for severe toothaches, reimplantation of knocked-out teeth, repair of broken or cracked teeth, treatment of abscesses or severe infections, and replacement or repair of lost fillings or crowns. The specific treatment will depend on the nature and severity of the dental emergency, aiming to relieve pain, prevent further damage, and restore oral health as quickly as possible.
 

Book an Appointment

First Time at Any Gentle Dental?
Preferred Appointment Time(s)

If your request is a dental emergency, or you would like to call and schedule your dental appointment, contact information for our offices can be found here: Gentle Dental Locations. New patient offer not valid for emergency appointments.