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Emergency Dentist — Pittsburgh, PA

Fast Dental Care When You Need It Most

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Dental emergencies are called emergencies because they require care as soon as possible. Unfortunately, one can strike at any time, which means they are oftentimes incredibly inconvenient and overwhelming. Should you or a loved one suddenly face one of these scary situations, don’t panic and give us a call right away. We offer same-day emergency dental care in our state-of-the-art office, and we’re ready and waiting to get you fast dental care when you need it most. So don’t wait! No matter what concerning or painful dental symptoms you’re experiencing, contact us today!

Why Choose Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh for Emergency Dental Care?

  • Advanced Dental Technology for Fast, Precise Diagnostics
  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
  • Calming Dental Sedation Available for Maximum Comfort

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

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  • Step 1: Call us as soon as you can so we can schedule you for a same-day emergency appointment. One of our experienced team members will walk you through basic first-aid for managing your situation until you can reach our office.
  • Step 2: Visit us for an emergency exam with one of our talented Pittsburgh emergency dentists, who will focus on evaluating your condition and alleviating any pain you may be in.
  • Step 3: Review the findings and all your treatment options, and from there, your dentist will work with you to create a custom treatment plan for getting your oral health back on track.
  • Step 4: Get the fast dental care you need as our team jumps into action to protect your teeth and repair your smile. We also offer calming sedation options to help anxious or uncomfortable patients feel more comfortable as we work.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

You may have heard about dental emergencies, but how exactly do you know if you’re having one? Dental emergencies occur when there is pain or discomfort that takes away your focus from your day-to-day tasks. This includes problems like chipped, cracked, or lost teeth as well as toothaches, lost crowns, and much more. Even if you are unsure if your situation counts as a dental emergency, we encourage you to call us anyways for guidance! If you’re in doubt, it’s always better to contact us so we can recommend your best next steps. Below, you’ll find important information about some of the most common dental emergencies we treat.

When Should I Visit the ER?

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If you can, it is always best to visit our office in the event of a dental emergency in Pittsburgh because we specialize in oral healthcare, and we have all the treatments available to get you out of pain. Emergency Rooms do not always have the staff or equipment needed to deal with situations like broken teeth or toothaches. However, there are some instances where an ER visit is vital. If you experience jaw injury, deep facial wounds, broken bones in the face, problems that affect breathing, uncontrollable bleeding, or any other life-threatening issues, you should visit the nearest urgent care facility right away.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies

young woman visiting her emergency dentist in Pittsburgh

Many patients delay seeking the urgent care their smiles need because they’re worried about the cost of emergency dentistry in Pittsburgh. However, going without treatment could not only worsen your dental pain, but you might even end up requiring a procedure that is more expensive than you would have needed if you’d come in right when your pain began!

We cannot recommend strongly enough that you call us right away when a dental emergency strikes. Our team will examine your smile, come up with a treatment plan, and go over your financing options to make your care affordable.

Every Dental Emergency is Different

man looking at his tooth in a mirror

Because there are countless varieties of dental emergencies that can occur, it’s essentially impossible for us to give a precise cost estimate without looking over your smile first. After all, two patients experiencing a similar type of toothache may require two completely different treatments, each of which has its own cost.

Once your emergency dentist in Pittsburgh has examined your mouth and determined the cause and extent of the damage, we can discuss possible solutions and the prices associated with them. Rest assured that we won’t move forward with any treatments until you’re comfortable with the financial side of things!

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

dental team member explaining the cost of emergency dentistry in Pittsburgh to two patients

We understand that cost is a huge factor in deciding to receive dental treatment, and we never want financial stress to get in the way of healing your smile. If your insurance doesn’t provide enough coverage, or if you don’t have insurance, we can help you apply for a CareCredit payment plan. These flexible plans come in various lengths (six months to 60 months), and many of them have low to no interest rates!

Save Money By Taking Care of Your Smile

toothpaste spilling out of a tube into the shape of a tooth

The simplest way to reduce your dental care costs is to prevent oral health issues in the first place. While this isn’t always possible, a little bit of  preventive dental care  goes a long way. For example, maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine can minimize the risk that a cavity will develop and worsen to the point that it causes a toothache. This saves you not only from pain, but also from large dental bills!

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

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Ready for some good news? There are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of experiencing a dental emergency. Although oral infections and injuries are never 100% avoidable, your actions can still make a big difference! So, take a look at the tips below on how to prevent dental emergencies in Pittsburgh.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

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If left untreated, gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems could easily grow into dental emergencies. That is why seeing a dentist twice a year for a routine checkup is so important. When you visit Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh for a dental exam and cleaning, your dentist will carefully inspect your teeth, gums, and other oral structures for infection or decay. They will also look for signs of serious diseases like oral cancer. Catching issues early on is key to successful treatment and preventing dental emergencies.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

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You should think of yourself and your dentist as a team. While your dentist cares for your teeth inside their office, you still need to do your part outside of it. Practicing excellent oral hygiene at home helps prevent harmful plaque and tartar buildup. Be sure to follow these tips to keep your teeth in great shape and avoid trips to an emergency dental office in Pittsburgh:

  • Brush your teeth twice every day for a full two minutes each time
  • Be sure to brush the inside, outside, and tops of your teeth
  • Floss at least once daily
  • Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash once a day

Stick to a Nutritious Diet

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The foods and drinks you consume every day have an enormous impact on your oral health. For instance, if you snack on candy each afternoon at work, you have a higher risk of developing cavities. Oral bacteria love feeding on sugar, which they convert into acid that harms teeth. For this reason, you should limit the amount of chocolate, candy, soda, and other sweet treats and beverages you consume. Smile-friendly foods include cheese, yogurt, and other white dairy products, along with leafy greens, fish, almonds, and fibrous vegetables like celery. Be sure to include plenty of these foods in your daily diet if you want to prevent dental emergencies in Pittsburgh.

Wear a Mouthguard

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Accidents can easily happen when playing recreational sports like football or basketball. Wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from unexpected physical trauma. Custom mouthguards from a dentist are formed to fit snugly over your teeth and feel comfortable in your mouth. Wearing a mouthguard is also a good idea if you grind your teeth at night. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can contribute to TMJ dysfunction and wear down tooth enamel.

Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging

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If you’re having trouble opening a bag of chips, it can be tempting to try to use your teeth. However, this is an easy way to end up with a cracked tooth! Simply put, teeth are for eating, not for opening packages. Do yourself a favor and grab a pair of scissors instead!  

Dental Emergency FAQs

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

In most cases, visiting the emergency room for dental emergencies isn't the best option. Emergency rooms typically lack the specialized equipment and expertise to address dental issues effectively. However, there are three exceptions where an ER visit is warranted: jaw fractures or dislocations, serious cuts or lacerations to the face or mouth, and abscesses or infections causing significant swelling affecting breathing or swallowing. For all other dental emergencies, it's strongly recommended to see a dentist first. Some dental offices, like ours, offer same-day emergency appointments to help provide timely care when you need it most.

Are Knocked-Out Baby Teeth a Dental Emergency?

No, knocked-out baby teeth are not typically considered a dental emergency! Since baby teeth are meant to come out naturally, there's no need to attempt to reinsert them into the socket. However, it's essential to schedule an exam for your child to ensure no damage has occurred if a baby tooth comes out prematurely. Early loss of baby teeth can potentially lead to issues with the eruption of permanent teeth. If bleeding persists or if you suspect a jaw injury, you should seek immediate medical attention at the emergency room.

Are Toothpicks Safe to Use?

Wooden toothpicks are not considered safe for regular use. They can easily damage enamel and gum tissue and may splinter or break off in the mouth. Additionally, toothpicks can push food debris further between teeth or under the gum line, leading to potential oral health issues. There's also a risk of accidentally swallowing a toothpick, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, toothpicks should only be used as a last resort.

What Does Chronic Bad Breath Mean?

Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, typically indicates an underlying issue beyond what mints or oral hygiene alone can resolve. While smoking and tobacco use contribute, chronic bad breath can signal conditions such as cavities, gum disease, or dental infections. If you experience persistent bad breath that lasts beyond a few days, it's a good idea to consult a dentist to rule out potential underlying problems.

How Long Can a Restoration Be Temporarily Attached?

Temporary restorations might feel secure but are not designed to be long-lasting. For instance, a dental crown may only stay in place for a few days at most. A dental filling cannot be placed back into a tooth, meaning you’ll want to avoid using the tooth in question until it’s repaired with a new filling. Because of this instability, the restoration will ultimately need to be replaced by a dentist for a more permanent solution.  

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Toothaches

Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency?

Tooth pain is never a good symptom and shouldn’t be ignored. It most likely points to tooth decay or trauma that has penetrated deep to the pulp or central layer of the tooth. This is where the nerve is located. Without professional intervention, the tooth will continue to hurt and decay until the it dies, which is why you should seek immediate treatment from our team at Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh.

How You Should Handle a Toothache

After contacting our office to make an emergency appointment, you may take over-the-counter pain reliever to lessen your discomfort. If your face is swelling, we recommend using a cold compress to keep it under control. Swish your mouth with warm saltwater to keep your mouth clean, and try to avoid common triggers that could make your toothache worse, such as sugary, cold, or hot foods and beverages.

How We Treat Toothaches

Depending on how severe the cavity or trauma is, we may need to perform root canal therapy. In this procedure, basically we’ll remove decayed or damaged tooth structure, including the pulp, and restore the tooth with either a filling or a dental crown. Whether we do a root canal or another treatment, we’ll administer a local anesthetic so that you can get relief from your pain and feel comfortable while we fix the underlying problem.

Learn More about Root Canal Therapy

Learn More about Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More about Dental Crowns

Chipped Teeth

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Often, a simple chipped tooth doesn’t necessarily cause pain and is a purely cosmetic issue, but it is considered a dental emergency because many people want the noticeable problem fixed right away. Plus, there are situations where a chipped tooth does bring some safety issues, such as the potential for cutting soft tissues.

How You Should Handle a Chipped Tooth

If you can, locate the tooth fragment(s) and bring them with you to your appointment. Sometimes, the tooth has a sharp point or edge, which can damage the lips, tongue, or cheek, so you may need to cover the chipped tooth with sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect your soft tissues.

How We Treat Chipped Teeth 

For mild cosmetic chips, we can usually correct the problem by covering the tooth with a porcelain veneer or direct bonding, or we may even be able to reattach the piece of your tooth. More advanced chips can typically be treated with a dental crown.

Learn More about Porcelain Veneers

Learn More about Dental Bonding

Learn More about Dental Crowns

Cracked Tooth

Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A cracked tooth can be compromised in several ways. The crack can allow bacteria to get deeper into the tooth, increasing the risk of infection. This kind of damage can also weaken the tooth, making it difficult to use it for biting or chewing. Depending on how severe the crack is, it could also cause a considerable amount of pain, which is why it’s best to have our team take a look at your cracked tooth sooner rather than later.

How You Should Handle a Cracked Tooth

Try to keep the area as clean as possible by not using the tooth when you bite or chew food. You should also rinse your mouth with clean, warm water. If the tooth aches, you may take pain reliever as needed.

How We Treat Cracked Teeth 

Treatment may vary from patient to patient because each case is different. While one case may require a more conservative procedure like direct bonding, another cracked tooth may be more severe, necessitating more advanced treatment like root canal therapy. Keep in mind that, if the crack goes beneath the gumline, extraction and replacement (with either a dental implant or bridge) may be your best option.

Learn More about Root Canal Therapy

Learn More about Dental Crowns

Learn More about Dental Bridges

Learn More about Dental Implants

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? There are many reasons why tooth sensitivity may occur. Sometimes it could be the result of exposed tooth roots, in others because of enamel erosion. While mild cases are non-urgent, your sensitivity is considered a dental emergency if it:

  • Becomes severe or painful
  • Lasts for multiple consecutive days
  • Affects one to two teeth

How you should handle sensitive teeth: Contact our office right away and explain your symptoms. We’ll provide first-aid instructions to help you manage your situation at home. Some tips we recommend often include drinking lukewarm water, taking pain medication as needed, and avoiding spicy, sweet, or acidic foods.

How we treat tooth sensitivity: First, we’ll need to perform an oral evaluation to determine the best treatment method. If your enamel is weakened or eroded, we may recommend desensitizing toothpaste, prescription mouthwash, or topical fluoride therapy. Patients with gum disease or a tooth infection may benefit from antibiotics, root canal therapy, or gum disease treatment.

Learn More About Fluoride Treatments

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Time is of the essence with fully dislodged teeth—we can often replant them, but only if we’re able to see a patient within an hour or two after the initial accident. For that reason, you should call us immediately after having your knocked out.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: Try to recover the tooth and put it back into its socket if possible. If not, put it in a bag with some milk—it must remain wet to keep it alive! You can also use a tooth preservation kit that has the ADA seal of approval.

How we treat knocked-out teeth: If the tooth is still viable and intact, we may be able to reimplant it. Over time, it’ll naturally fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. However, you may need to explore your tooth-replacement options if the tooth has been outside of the mouth for too long. 

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Dental restorations are certainly durable, but they’re not meant to last forever. That means very old fillings or crowns will eventually break or fall off. While it’s not necessarily an emergency if that happens, you should still schedule an emergency appointment right away. Otherwise, your exposed tooth is vulnerable to infection and further damage.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown: If you still have the restoration, use dental cement, denture adhesive, or sugar-free chewing gum if nothing else is available to reseat the restoration temporarily. Keep in mind that reattaching the restoration is only a short-term solution. If you do not have the crown, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you get it replaced.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns: We may be able to recement the restoration back into place if it’s still mostly intact. If it’s damaged or missing, you may need to replace it altogether.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Broken Denture

Is a broken denture a dental emergency? Breaking or damaging your denture can make it uncomfortable to wear and can increase the chance of damaging your soft oral tissues. To avoid hurting your gums, cheeks, tongue, or even any remaining natural teeth, be sure to notify our team for help. Though the situation may not be urgent, we’ll want to repair or replace your denture as soon as possible so you can return to enjoying a comfortable smile.

How to handle a broken denture: Don’t wear your broken or damaged denture until we’ve been able to repair it. Try putting them in a glass of water or denture cleanser so that they stay moist and retain their shape. Don’t use superglue or other household products to fix them, as these can make the situation worse. They can also make you sick if you accidentally ingest them.

How we treat broken dentures: We might be able to realign, readjust, or repair your denture if it’s viable. If the damage is too severe, we may have to consider replacing it with a new one or trying a different option like implant dentures.

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Loose Permanent Tooth

Are loose permanent teeth a dental emergency? Your teeth shouldn’t ever be loose, so you’ll need to visit your emergency dentist right away if you notice this. The last thing you want is to have it come out of its socket. By treating it early on, we can likely stabilize the tooth and prevent the need for costly treatments.

How you should handle a loose permanent tooth: Refrain from chewing on that side of the mouth and don’t try to force it to stay in its socket. Notify our team and visit us as soon as possible. While you wait, try taking over-the-counter pain medication and/or using a cold compress to minimize pain and inflammation.

How we treat loose permanent teeth: If your tooth is loose due to gum disease, we might provide periodontal therapy to fix the situation. While we’ll do everything we can to save your tooth, including splinting it to a nearby healthy tooth, we might have to extract it if it isn’t viable to leave it in your mouth. Of course, we’ll review your tooth-replacement options, such as dental implants.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Periodontal Therapy 

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? A wound in the mouth can sometimes lead to problematic dental problems. While this isn’t always an emergency, you’ll want to visit your dentist if you think your teeth have been injured as well. If the situation is more severe like excessive bleeding or a broken jaw, visit your local ER first.

How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Rinse your mouth with water to get rid of debris and bacteria. Apply pressure to any bleeding with a washcloth or clean gauze, and then use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.

How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: Our team can suture a wound closed if it’s a mild to moderate lesion. However, for more serious injuries like uncontrollable bleeding or a broken/dislocated jaw, you’ll need to go to your local ER instead. The physicians can provide essential treatment to stabilize you before you visit us for dental care. 

Jaw Pain

Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Your jaw could be uncomfortable for various reasons, including chronic grinding/clenching or a dislocated, fractured, or broken jaw. The latter situation will require treatment from your local ER. Otherwise, our team will examine your mouth to determine the best way to alleviate your discomfort.

How you should handle jaw pain: Sometimes people involuntarily clench and grind their teeth during sleep due to stress. Other than practicing meditative and calming activities to help you relax, try putting a warm washcloth over your jaws to ease the muscles. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort.

How we treat jaw pain: Our team will evaluate your mouth to determine if you’re experiencing issues with grinding in your sleep. If this is the case, we can provide you with custom nightguards for bruxism, which will allow your jaw to remain comfortable and protected throughout the night.

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Food or debris that’s stuck between your teeth can be quite uncomfortable sometimes. The last thing you want to do is accidentally push the object further in or cause damage to your surrounding teeth and soft oral tissues. That’s why we ask that you not use sharp items to get it out, such as a tweezer, toothpick, or fork, as these can make matters worse. Instead, rinse your mouth to loosen the object and floss between your teeth. If this doesn’t help, come visit our team for help.