Emergency Dental

When a dental emergency strikes, it often comes without warning and can leave you in a state of shock or discomfort. A throbbing toothache that keeps you awake through the night, a sudden injury on the soccer field, or an accidental slip that chips a tooth can all transform an ordinary day into one filled with stress and pain. In those moments, you need more than just a dentist—you need a calm, caring professional who can provide immediate relief, restore your oral health, and reassure you that everything will be okay.

At Parkway Dental in St. George, UT, we are here to be that steady hand during your time of need. Dr. Bekki T. Patton, DDS, and Dr. Drew J. Purser, DMD, bring not only years of experience but also a gentle, compassionate approach to emergency dentistry. Our team understands that dental emergencies are not just about teeth—they affect your comfort, confidence, and peace of mind.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any urgent oral health problem that requires immediate attention from a dentist. Unlike a routine checkup, which is scheduled and preventive, emergencies involve sudden symptoms, often pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma, that cannot wait.

Some situations are obvious emergencies, such as a tooth being knocked out in an accident. Others may be less clear, such as lingering sensitivity to hot and cold or swelling in the gums. The important thing to remember is this: if it hurts, bleeds, or interferes with your ability to eat, speak, or function comfortably, it should be treated as an emergency.

Why Fast Action Matters

Delaying treatment during a dental emergency can have serious consequences. Pain rarely improves on its own, and oral infections can spread rapidly. A tooth that could have been saved with quick action may become unsalvageable if care is postponed.

Immediate care matters because it:

• Stops Pain in Its Tracks: Dental pain can be excruciating. Swift care helps you breathe easier and sleep better.
• Saves Teeth: A tooth that is knocked out or broken has the best chance of being saved within the first hour.
• Prevents Infection: Oral infections can spread to the jaw, face, or bloodstream, leading to dangerous complications.
• Restores Confidence: Emergencies like broken front teeth affect not only health but also self-esteem. Fast treatment helps you return to daily life without embarrassment.
• Protects Long-Term Health: The earlier a dental problem is addressed, the less invasive (and costly) treatment tends to be.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

At Parkway Dental, we are equipped to manage a wide range of urgent dental situations. Below are some of the most common emergencies we see, along with the care we provide.

Severe Toothaches

Few things are as disruptive as a toothache. The pain may start as a dull ache, then intensify into a sharp, throbbing sensation that radiates to the jaw, ear, or head. Sometimes, patients describe it as a constant pressure that keeps them from eating, working, or even concentrating.

Possible Causes:

• Advanced tooth decay
• Infection inside the tooth (pulpitis)
• Gum infection or abscess
• Cracked tooth exposing the nerve

Treatment at Parkway Dental:

Dr. Patton or Dr. Purser will carefully examine your tooth using digital X-rays to pinpoint the cause. If decay is present, a filling may be placed. If infection has reached the tooth’s inner pulp, root canal therapy is performed to clean and seal the tooth. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. Whatever the solution, immediate steps are always taken to ease your pain and make you comfortable. Contact us to learn more.

Knocked-Out Teeth (Avulsed Teeth)

Imagine a child colliding on the basketball court or an adult slipping while hiking in Snow Canyon State Park, and a tooth is suddenly knocked out. In such cases, time is critical. The first 30–60 minutes provide the best window for reimplantation.

What You Should Do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (the visible part), not the root.
• Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or use soap.
• If possible, place it back into the socket.
• If not, keep it moist in milk, saline solution, or inside your cheek.
• Call Parkway Dental immediately.

Treatment at Parkway Dental:

Our team will attempt to reimplant the tooth and stabilize it. In many cases, a root canal is later performed to preserve the tooth long-term. If the tooth cannot be saved, we offer high-quality replacement options, such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures, to restore both function and appearance.

Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Teeth

A cracked or fractured tooth can be painful, especially when biting down, or it may cause sharp edges that cut your tongue or cheek. Even if it doesn’t hurt, leaving a fracture untreated exposes the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria and decay.

Treatment Options:

• Bonding: For small chips, tooth-colored resin restores appearance.
• Dental Crowns: Larger fractures may require crowns to strengthen and protect the tooth.
• Root Canal Therapy: If the crack reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be necessary.
• Extraction: In severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed to protect overall oral health.

Dental Abscesses and Infections

Abscesses are among the most dangerous dental emergencies. They typically cause swelling, intense pain, fever, and sometimes pus discharge. Left untreated, they can spread infection to the jaw or bloodstream.

Treatment at Parkway Dental:

We provide immediate drainage of the abscess to relieve pressure, prescribe antibiotics to control infection, and perform root canal therapy or extraction to remove the source of infection. Patients often report almost instant relief once treatment begins.

Lost or Damaged Restorations

Crowns, bridges, and fillings are designed to protect teeth, but they can loosen or fall out due to wear, biting hard foods, or decay beneath the restoration. Without protection, the tooth may feel sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure.

Treatment Options:

• Recementing a crown if it’s still intact.
• Placing a new filling or crown if the old one is damaged.
• Providing temporary restorations to protect the tooth until permanent work is ready.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Accidents involving lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums can cause heavy bleeding and discomfort. Children are especially prone to these injuries during sports or play.

Treatment at Parkway Dental:

We clean and assess the wound to prevent infection. Small injuries may only need careful rinsing and observation, while deeper lacerations may require sutures. Our gentle approach ensures comfort throughout treatment.

Jaw Pain and TMJ Emergencies

Sometimes, dental emergencies aren’t about teeth but about the jaw joint (TMJ). Patients may experience sudden locking, popping, or severe discomfort when trying to open or close their mouth.

Treatment Options:

• Splints or bite guards to stabilize the joint.
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Imaging to check for fractures or dislocations.
• Referral for specialized care if needed.

How to Handle a Dental Emergency Before You Reach Us

While professional care is always necessary, here are first-aid steps you can take before arriving at Parkway Dental:

• For a Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. Avoid aspirin directly on the gums.
• For Knocked-Out Tooth: Keep it moist as described above and get to our office quickly.
• For Broken Tooth: Rinse mouth, apply a cold compress, and bring any broken pieces with you.
• For Lost Crown or Filling: Cover the exposed tooth with dental cement or sugar-free gum.
• For Bleeding: Apply firm but gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth.
• For Swelling: Use cold packs to reduce inflammation until we can see you.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all emergencies can be avoided, many are preventable with good habits:

• Wear custom sports mouthguards during athletic activities.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or using teeth to open packages.
• Maintain regular checkups with Parkway Dental to detect issues early.
• Practice consistent brushing and flossing to prevent decay and infection.
• Address dental problems promptly rather than waiting for them to worsen.

Conclusion

A dental emergency can be one of the most stressful health experiences you face, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Parkway Dental in St. George, UT, our mission is to provide not only expert clinical care but also genuine comfort and reassurance.

Dr. Bekki T. Patton, DDS, and Dr. Drew J. Purser, DMD, are committed to helping every patient in our community feel safe, cared for, and confident that their dental health is in excellent hands. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or sudden swelling, we are here to respond quickly and effectively.

If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency in St. George, call Parkway Dental immediately. Fast, compassionate, and professional care is just a phone call away.

Visit Parkway Dental at 1404 Sun River Pkwy #125, St. George, UT 84790, or call (435) 256-6167 in case of a dental emergency.