Dental emergencies can strike at any time — from a sudden fall, a sports injury, or even biting down wrong. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. If you’re on Oʻahu, Aiea Family Dental is here to help you stay calm, act fast, and get the care you need.
- Learn how to handle common dental emergencies
- Know when to call a dentist versus visiting the ER
- Understand how Aiea Family Dental can help same-day
Common Types of Dental Emergencies
Not sure what qualifies as a dental emergency? Here are the most common scenarios we treat:
- Severe toothache that won’t subside
- Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Soft tissue injuries (tongue, lips, cheeks)
- Swelling or abscess indicating infection
- Lost fillings or crowns exposing nerves
When to Call Aiea Family Dental
If you’re unsure whether it’s urgent, call us anyway. We’d rather you be safe. Here’s when you should reach out immediately:
- Tooth pain interfering with sleep, eating, or work
- Visible damage to a tooth or restoration
- Persistent bleeding or signs of infection
We offer same-day emergency dental appointments whenever possible. Call our front desk and we’ll walk you through the next steps.
How to Handle a Dental Emergency
- Stay calm and assess the situation: Use clean gauze to stop bleeding. If there’s swelling, apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek.
- Rinse your mouth: Use warm water to gently clean the area. Avoid touching roots if a tooth is knocked out.
- Save the tooth or fragments: Place them in milk or your own saliva. Bring them with you.
- Call Aiea Family Dental: We’ll advise you and prepare for your arrival.
Tip: If you’ve lost a crown, temporarily place it back with toothpaste or dental cement until you see us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe pain, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, swelling, and uncontrolled bleeding all qualify as emergencies.
Can I go to the ER for a dental issue?
Hospitals can manage pain or infection but usually can’t fix the dental problem. Call us first — we can often treat you faster.
Is it okay to wait until Monday?
Dental issues can escalate quickly. Infection, swelling, or nerve exposure should never wait. Call us — we’ll assess your urgency.
Why Aiea Family Dental for Emergencies?
We serve patients across Honolulu and Oʻahu with fast, compassionate emergency care. Our experienced team is ready with digital imaging, gentle techniques, and flexible scheduling to get you out of pain — fast.
Need urgent help? Call or message Aiea Family Dental now and let us help you get back to smiling.
