Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are urgent situations that require urgent attention to alleviate tooth pain, prevent further damage, or address serious oral health concerns. Common types of dental emergencies include severe toothaches, chipped or fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, loose or lost fillings and crowns.

It’s never a good time for a toothache but at Riverview Dental Clinic, you can rely on us to be prepared for your dental emergencies.

  • "Had my first visit here in March this year for an emergency visit due to my bottom wisdom teeth. Dr. Shane and the staff are absolutely wonderful! They are so friendly and helpful with everything that you are having done. They make sure you are completely comfortable and pain free. Dr. Shane explains everything that is being done and breaks down everything when it comes to making a treatment plan with you. I just had my 2nd visit here yesterday. And now I’ve got my husband wanting to make this his dental clinic as well with how well I’ve talked about my experiences so far!"

    - Elizabeth

  • "I came to Dr Shane in an emergency situation about 4 yrs ago and have been his patient ever since. I appreciate his thorough explanation of the procedures he is about to perform. Also gives you some choices of what should be done now or can be done at a later date. The entire staff is personable which makes you feel at ease. I highly recommend Riverview Dental Clinic."

    - Dan

  • "My son had emergency dental work a few weeks ago at his normal dentist (pediatric), they had to add a brace/ splint to keep his two front teeth in place as they had gotten loose from the accident. Last week while eating dinner the brace wire came loose from one of his teeth and was poking him in the side of the mouth, Dr. Shane stayed late to get us in and he was able to remove the part of the wire that was poking him and I in return got a very happy 7 year old would have been freaking out otherwise. We called 5-6 "Emergency" dentists prior to finding this clinic. They were by far the most friendly, helpful and understanding! Highly recommend Dr. Shane! Thank you for helping our family through an already stressful situation!"

    - Lindsay

  • "Dr. Shane met me at his office on Thanksgiving and treated me for pain related to a tooth infection. Very professional and has the latest in dental equipment."

    - Rick

  • tooth pain

    Tooth & Gum Infections

    A tooth infection occurs when bacteria invade the tooth, typically following decay, trauma, or gum disease. Initially, bacteria penetrate the enamel and dentin, leading to pulp inflammation known as pulpitis. As the infection progresses, pus accumulates within the tooth, resulting in the formation of an abscess, a localized collection of pus that can cause severe pain and swelling.

    An abscess can manifest either in the tooth (periapical abscess) or in the surrounding gums (periodontal abscess). In a periapical abscess, the infection spreads from the pulp to the root tip, while in a periodontal abscess, it arises from the gum tissues around the tooth. Symptoms may include throbbing pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth.

    If the infection continues to spread, it can lead to the formation of a fistula, which is a small channel that forms between the abscess and the surface of the skin or the oral cavity. This draining channel allows pus to escape, which may provide temporary relief from pain. However, it is crucial to seek dental treatment, as both abscesses and fistulas indicate ongoing infection that can lead to further complications if not addressed.
  • tooth knocked out

    Tooth Trauma & Mouth Injuries

    Tooth trauma can vary significantly depending on the severity and type of injury sustained. Each type of tooth trauma requires a tailored approach to treatment, emphasizing the importance of prompt dental care.

    An avulsed tooth is one that has been completely knocked out. Immediate action is crucial. If the tooth is still viable, it should be rinsed gently, kept moist, and reinserted into its socket or stored in a container with milk or saline until professional dental help is available. Reattachment is most successful if done within an hour of the incident.

    A tooth luxation injury occurs when a tooth is displaced from its original position but remains partially attached. Treatment generally involves repositioning the tooth and splinting it to stabilize it while healing occurs.

    Depending on the nature of the injury, there may also be soft tissue lacerations requiring suturing. Additionally, we will want to rule out any fractures of the jaw and supporting bone structures.

    Quick intervention can often save the tooth and ensure better long-term outcomes, coupled with regular follow-up appointments.

  • broken tooth

    Chipped & Fractured Teeth

    A chipped or fractured tooth can present in various ways, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Common characteristics include visible cracks, edges of the tooth that may feel rough, or significant breaks that can cause sharp pain. Symptoms may also include sensitivity to temperature changes and discomfort when biting down.

    Treatment for a chipped or fractured tooth often depends on the extent of the damage. Minor tooth chips may be repaired with dental bonding, where a tooth-colored resin is applied and shaped to restore the tooth's appearance and function. More significant fractures may require a dental crown to provide strength and protect the remaining tooth structure. In cases where the fracture affects the tooth's pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove any infected tissue, followed by a crown for protection. In some cases, when the tooth fracture is extensive, the tooth may require extraction.

    Timely treatment can help prevent further complications and preserve dental health. For tooth wear caused by oral habits, including clenching and griding, we’ll discuss techniques to diminish these symptoms as well as fabricate a night guard to prevent further damage.
  • loose crown, loose filling

    Loose & Lost Fillings and Crowns

    Loose and lost dental fillings and crowns can occur due to several factors. One common cause is the natural wear and tear on the filling material over time, which can lead to a loss of adhesion between the filling or crown and the tooth structure. Chewing hard or sticky foods can also contribute to the loosening of fillings, as can teeth grinding (bruxism), which exerts excessive pressure on dental restorations.

    Additionally, the decay of the tooth structure surrounding the filling or crown can result in the filling becoming loose or falling out. This decay can occur if proper oral hygiene is not maintained, allowing bacteria to weaken the bond between the filling or crown and the tooth.

    Treatment options for loose or lost fillings typically include re-evaluating the tooth to assess any underlying decay or damage. If the crown is simply loose, the dentist may clean the area and re-cement it in place. In cases where the filling is lost or the tooth structure is compromised, a new filling may be applied, or a more extensive restoration, such as a crown, may be necessary.

    Regular dental check-ups can help catch these issues early and ensure effective treatment.