Life is full of surprises, including emergencies that involve your teeth or mouth. Just like a regular injury, getting treatment for such surprises is important to repair the injury and prevent further damage.
Fairchance Dental Arts wants to be your emergency dentistry provider. If you have lost a tooth or are experiencing severe mouth pain, contact us right away for emergency dental treatment.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is anything that does not fall under routine dental care you would receive at your biannual dental check-up, and anything that causes severe pain or requires immediate attention, such as a broken dental appliance or damage to teeth or soft tissues in your mouth.
COMMON TYPES OF EMERGENCY DENTISTRY
Unsure if you are experiencing a dental emergency? We recommend that you call our emergency line if you are experiencing any of the following dental emergencies so that we can direct you toward the best treatment for your situation:
KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH (DENTAL AVULSION)


A tooth avulsion refers to any permanent tooth that has fallen out of its socket. Our emergency dentists can restore these teeth in many instances. When transporting a missing tooth to the office for treatment, make sure to keep it clean and hydrated to preserve the health of the tooth.
If we cannot restore your tooth, we offer replacements that will restore both the function and aesthetic appearance of your smile.
LOOSE TOOTH (PARTIAL DENTAL AVULSION)
Prevention is often easier than restoration. Make sure to come in if you have an extremely loose tooth before it falls out entirely!
Avoid chewing where the tooth is loose, and make sure to keep from wiggling it with your tongue or fingers to prevent further risk of infection or damage.
CRACKED TOOTH
Cracked teeth can be restored with several different treatment options. The sooner you get these teeth restored, the more effective treatment will be. It is especially important to get emergency dental treatment for cracked teeth if you’re experiencing severe pain.
You might not always see where your teeth are cracked, especially in the back of your mouth. Come in for an examination if you’re experiencing severe tooth pain of any kind.
BROKEN OR CHIPPED TOOTH
Broken and chipped teeth require immediate treatment. Failure to treat this issue can lead to further damage or even a tooth infection, which may require us to extract your tooth. Broken and chipped teeth can also damage your tongue or gums.
Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold food, along with bleeding or a general numbness in your mouth, are also important signs to look out for.
LOOSE OR MISSING FILLINGS
You may lose your fillings for a variety of reasons. Accidents that impact your mouth may not damage your teeth, but may still be enough to loosen your fillings. Some fillings, especially older metal and silver fillings, may also just fall out over time, from chewing and general use.
Modern fillings last longer and are better at matching your natural teeth. We replace missing, loose, or outdated silver fillings.
BROKEN OR DETACHED CROWNS
Please schedule an appointment right away if your dental crown is broken or detached. Dental crowns are used to restore chipped and cracked teeth and to save decaying teeth or those that require a root canal. Failure to replace a crown right away may result in losing the tooth itself.
Unlike your teeth, do not try to place the broken crown back in your mouth if it becomes detached from your tooth. Attempting to do so will likely damage your lips and gums.
BROKEN BRACES
Broken brackets and wires are a common dental emergency. They can be painful if left, as they irritate your gums and cheeks. Our dentist and our dental assistants will be happy to treat your orthodontic needs.
If you cannot come in right away, do your best to tuck wires and cover them with your dental wax. This will reduce mouth irritation while you wait.
WISDOM TEETH PAIN (PERICORONITIS )
Pericoronitis refers to swelling and infection caused by your wisdom teeth. Regular teeth cleanings and examinations are important so we can predict whether you’ll require wisdom teeth extraction. By doing so, we can avoid the pain that comes from wisdom teeth impaction.
Painkillers and antibiotics may be recommended by our dentists if you suffer from pericoronitis. Contact us today if you would like to learn more about your wisdom teeth.
SEVERE TOOTHACHE OR JAW PAIN
Sudden or intense tooth pain can mean several different things. Something may be wedged between your teeth, or you may have a deep pulp infection requiring antibiotics or a root canal. Putting off such treatment only makes things worse.
Infections are often accompanied by trouble swallowing, fever, swelling, or a sour taste in your mouth. Seek emergency treatment if you are experiencing these symptoms.
ROOT CANAL INFECTION (PULPITIS)
Pulpitis is an infection that causes severe inflammation of your dental pulp. This can lead to extreme teeth sensitivity, pain, and bleeding. Minor and early pulpitis infections can usually be treated with a dental crown or veneer. Severe pulpitis may require a root canal.
Despite their reputation, modern root canals are both quick and nearly painless. You’ll even be able to go to school or work after just a few hours of recovery.
GUM BLEEDING OR ABSCESSES
A dental abscess is a build-up of pus caused by an untreated bacterial infection. There are many reasons an abscess might form, but they typically do not go away without dental treatment. Treatment for dental abscesses varies depending on the degree of infection.
Symptoms of abscesses include severe gum pain, bleeding, and extreme oral sensitivity. Please contact us today if you experience any of these oral issues.
SEVERE SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE
Many times a bite, cut, or abrasion to the soft tissue of your mouth—including your tongue, gums, cheeks, and lips—will heal on its own.
However, if you have a puncture wound or damage that is deep, jagged, or accompanied by swelling or persistent bleeding, you may need to see a dentist for emergency care.
Rapid Dental Treatment for Unexpected Emergencies
Your oral hygiene is important, but even with great brushing and proper mouth care you just can’t prepare for everything. Things happen, accidents and other injuries that can cause your teeth to loosen, bleed, or even fall out of your mouth.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call our office right away.
In the meantime, here are some important steps you can take to help our team out if you damage or lose a tooth. They include:
- Only handle teeth by the crown
- Rinse your teeth with clean water
- Reinsert the tooth into the open socket if possible
- If you can’t, place the tooth in milk until you reach our office
- Avoid tap water, as the chemicals can damage the tooth
What to Do While Waiting for Treatment or for Non-Emergency Injuries
Whether you are experiencing a dental emergency or a minor mouth injury, here are some helpful tools to have on hand for caring for unexpected dental needs both at home and on the way to the office for emergency care:
- Ice Packs: Cooling packs can be effective pain relief from anything from soft tissue damage to cracked teeth. They are also helpful for reducing swelling and bleeding. Apply them as needed.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Sometimes pain can make it difficult to function normally. If this is the case, taking pain medication while you wait for your appointment or for a minor injury to heal can help keep you hydrated and healthy.
- Gauze Pads: Cleaning a wound and stopping bleeding from cuts or knocked-out teeth is important. Placing gauze over a wound can help it heal, prevent further damage, and keep it clean while awaiting treatment.
- Floss: Often pain or swelling of the gums is caused by something caught in between teeth. Keeping floss handy can help alleviate pain quickly in such cases.
- Dental Mirror: It’s hard to see far into your mouth and the back sides of your teeth. A dental mirror can help you see what a problem may be so you can know whether you need dental emergency care or at-home treatment.
- Dental Wax: Wire braces or permanent retainers can irritate the soft tissues of your mouth or even break, poking you in the gums, lips, or cheeks. To ease irritation or control a loose wire, pack it down with dental wax to create a barrier and schedule with your dentist.
- Salt: A warm saltwater mix is good for both cleaning an injury and alleviating pain that comes from cuts or missing teeth. Gently swirl it around your mouth and spit it out to soothe and clean.
If you have any treatment questions for our dental team or want to ask if you should come in for emergency care, contact our office today! We are happy to help you find the solutions you need for your oral care.
Comprehensive Emergency Care, Friendly Team
When you visit, you can expect treatment from Drs. Megan and Caleb Beam. They are supported by a team of experienced hygienists and assistants, who are here to help with all sorts of emergencies.
Drs. Megan and Caleb Beam are graduates of the WVU School of Dentistry, who strive to make every emergency visit to their offices a comfortable and beneficial experience. Dr. Megan Beam has focused her post-graduate training in orthodontics, pediatrics, and TMJ treatment. Dr. Caleb Beam has received post-graduate training in implants, root canals, and other oral surgeries.
Together, along with the other great members of our Pennsylvania team, we here at Fairchance Dental Arts are prepared to perform whatever emergency dental work you need to restore your smile.
Testimonials From Our Great Patients
I went to them for tooth pain that caused frequent migraines. I also told them i had bad experiences with dentists as a kid, which is why I haven’t been to any dentist office in a very long time, so they had their work cut out for them. The whole time I was there was an incredible experience from them just being so understanding to their work in general, Caleb extracted 3 of my teeth, and was incredibly patient with me. They have an overall incredible staff, and are super friendly. I would recommend anyone go to them.
– Branden H.
Friendly atmosphere and staff. Very professional and accommodating appointments. Highly reccomend. The new dentist is very nice and super gentle with her patients. Makes coming to the dentist not so bad!
– Regina P.
Dental Emergency FAQ:
WHERE SHOULD I GO FOR A DENTAL EMERGENCY?
Most dental emergencies such as damaged teeth or bleeding gums can be treated at our office in Fairchance, PA. When experiencing a dental emergency, call your dentist so that they can assess the best course of action for your needs.
WHEN SHOULD I GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM?
We typically recommend seeking emergency room care if you suffer from one or more of the following symptoms:
- Severe bleeding
- Swollen or broken jaw
- Pain that interferes with your routine
- Head or neck trauma, even if you also have missing teeth
WHAT IS THE BEST PAINKILLER FOR A SEVERE TOOTHACHE?
We recommend anti-inflammatory over-the-counter drugs for severe toothaches. Depending on how much pain you’re experiencing, we may also suggest prescription painkillers.
Feel free to reach out to Fairchance Dental Arts if you’re experiencing extreme oral pain. Not only can we provide a prescription, but we can find out the cause of your toothache and offer treatment.
CAN I SLEEP WITH A TOOTHACHE?
We highly recommend coming in as soon as possible if you are experiencing a severe toothache. However, there are a few tips we recommend to reduce the pain until your next appointment:
- Rinse out your mouth: Use mouthwash or warm salt water to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria. Gently swoosh liquid around your mouth to avoid further irritation.
- Sleep with extra pillows: Elevating your head with extra pillows will prevent blood from rushing to your mouth, which can often worsen your toothache.
- Use over-the-counter painkillers: Anti-inflammatory over-the-counter drugs will help alleviate pain until you can come in for proper treatment.
ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS?
Fairchance Dental Arts welcomes new patients experiencing dental emergencies and those hoping to improve their smiles. While we are based out of Fairchance, Pennsylvania, we are happy to serve patients living near our hometown as well.
We especially welcome our regular patients from Uniontown, Morgantown, Smithfield, and those throughout Monongalia and Fayette Counties, so if you have an oral injury you think may need emergency dental treatment, contact us today.
HOW MUCH WILL TREATMENT COST?
Dental treatment costs vary depending on the exact needs of our patients. We do our best to provide you with the best care possible while making treatment as fast and affordable as we can.
When you call about emergency dental care, feel free to ask about treatment procedures and options. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
Make Fairchance Dental Arts Your Dental Home
Emergency dental care should be about more than just getting rapid treatment. That’s why Fairchance Dental Arts strives to exemplify these four values with every patient visit:
- Honesty: You should know the exact dental treatment you need right away.
- Trust: You should expect safe and effective treatment.
- Respect: You should feel comfortable with every visit to our offices.
- Communication: You should understand the need for the treatments we provide.
By focusing on these values, we believe we can make Fairchance Dental Arts your dental home, no matter your age or background. With our fantastic dental team, we believe that we can be your go-to dental solution for all your needs, whether it be a regular cleaning or a dental emergency.
Your Home for Emergency Dental Care
Your mouth is vital to who you are, which is why it’s important to treat oral emergencies you may be experiencing right away.
No matter your dental emergency, you can expect expert, compassionate care at Fairchance Dental Arts. Drs. Megan and Caleb Beam, along with our great supporting dental team, love to help those living around the Fairchance community.
We look forward to addressing your dental needs. Just click this link or call our office today to get started caring for your beaming smile.
Call Today!