Emergency Dentist — Hoover, AL

Don’t Wait to Get Your Dental Emergency Handled Today!

Woman holding mouth in pain needing emergency dentist in Hoover

When a dental emergency strikes, the last thing you should do is put off seeing a dentist. Whether it’s a bad toothache caused by an oral infection or a broken or knocked-out tooth caused by physical injury, we can get you out of discomfort. Without treatment, your tooth will only worsen in condition, so don’t hesitate to give Dr. Moulton a call and schedule a same-day appointment for emergency dentistry in Hoover, AL! We’ll do everything we can to save your tooth and protect your oral health.

Why Choose Moulton Dentistry of Hoover for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Special Offers Available on Emergency Dental Visits
  • Same-Day Appointments Available for Dental Emergencies
  • Relaxing Sedation Dentistry Options for Maximum Comfort
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Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? From minor to severe issues, there are many reasons why you may experience a toothache. You should make an appointment with your emergency dentist in Hoover if notice any of the following:

  • Severe pain that lasts more than a day
  • Sharp pain when biting down
  • Extreme sensitivity that lasts over 30 seconds
  • A small bump has developed near the painful tooth
  • The tooth looks darker than the surrounding teeth
  • Signs of a serious infection (i.e., swelling, fever, fatigue)

How you should handle a toothache: First, try gently maneuvering dental floss around the affected area to remove any debris. If your pain persists, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution and take an over-the-counter pain medication to ease any discomfort. You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling.

How we treat toothaches: Our team will need to conduct an emergency examination to identify the cause of your tooth pain. After we’ve figured out the problem, we can recommend a treatment option. Some common services include fillings, dental crowns, root canal therapy, gum disease treatment, and tooth extractions.

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Not really! Most people can wait a few days to seek treatment. However, you should still make an appointment with your emergency dentist as soon as possible to prevent serious complications down the line.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: If your broken tooth has created a sharp edge that is irritating your cheek or lip, you can place a piece of orthodontic wax over it. If you’re able to, bring your broken-off piece of tooth to your appointment with you.

How we treat chipped teeth: In many cases, we’re able to easily repair a chipped tooth with custom-shaded composite resin. However, you may want to consider a veneer if you’ve damaged a highly visible tooth and are concerned about aesthetics.

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Absolutely! Even a minor crack can put your tooth at risk of further infection and damage. To prevent any issues, you should schedule an emergency appointment as soon as you can. It’s always a good idea to give your emergency dentist in Hoover a call after sustaining a blow to the face, especially if you feel pain or sensitivity.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: Carefully rinse your mouth with warm water to wash away any lingering bacteria. If needed, you can apply a cold compress or take over-the-counter pain reliever to ease your discomfort. You can also cover any jagged edges with wax or sugar-free gum.

How we treat cracked teeth: Most cases of cracked teeth are addressed with custom-made dental crowns. However, we may be able to repair minor damage with tooth-colored composite resin. Patients with severe damage may benefit from extraction and will need to explore their tooth-replacement options (i.e., dental bridges, implants, dentures).

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Tooth sensitivity can be a result of a variety of underlying issues, some of which may be considered a dental emergency, and some that aren’t. If you notice that your sensitivity comes and goes or is a direct result of consuming anything that’s hot or cold, it could be that you just have sensitive teeth. You can remedy this issue at-home by using special toothpastes to help fortify tooth enamel, like Sensodyne. However, if you notice that the sensitivity won’t go away or becomes worse with time, it could be due to a damaged tooth or restoration, gum recession, or even an infection, all of which require urgent attention.

How you should handle sensitive teeth: Call our office immediately so we can schedule a same-day appointment and provide you with first-aid advice to manage your discomfort. Avoid any foods or beverages that could make your pain worse, like ones that are spicy, hot, cold, acidic, or sweet.

How we treat tooth sensitivity: The treatment method that we suggest will be based on what’s causing your sensitivity. A tooth infection may require a root canal and crown, while gum recession can be treated with periodontal therapy. If you have a broken restoration, we’ll place a temporary on your affected tooth and have a permanent replacement crafted to take its place.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Yes! If you knocked-out a permanent tooth, time is of the essence, so it’s important to act fast and contact your emergency dentist in Hoover to schedule a same-day appointment for you. Ideally, we’d have you get to our office within an hour or two of the incident to help improve the chances of replanting your tooth in its socket.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: Locate your tooth and pick it up by the biting surface, being sure to avoid touching the roots of the tooth. Gently rinse it under cool water while making sure you don’t remove any connective tissue that may still be attached to the roots. After the tooth is cleaned of any dirt or debris, store it in a sealable container of milk or salt water to keep it viable and bring it to your appointment with you.

How we treat knocked-out teeth: If the tooth is still viable, we’ll try to replant it back in its socket. Over time, it will either naturally reintegrate with the bone and gums, or you may have a lost tooth in Hoover that needs to be replaced. Based on the outcome, we’ll work with you to get your smile restored and back in good health.

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Dental restorations are placed on teeth that have been compromised, so if you notice that your filling or crown is missing or damaged, it’s important that you have it replaced in a timely manner to prevent additional harm from coming to your smile.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown: If you’re able to locate the restoration, rinse it off and bring it to your appointment with you. You can temporarily re-fill a tooth using a kit that you can purchase at any pharmacy or attach the crown using a dab of toothpaste or denture adhesive. Remember that these are temporary solutions and in order to prevent an infection or progressing decay, you’ll need to have the restoration permanently replaced or professionally repaired.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns: If your restoration is repairable, we’ll salvage it and reseat it back on your affected tooth. If not, we’ll place a temporary crown until your permanent one arrives or replace your filling in-office during your appointment.

Broken Denture

Is a broken denture a dental emergency? While a broken denture isn’t a life-threatening emergency, you use your restoration every day to complete daily tasks, like eating and speaking. By continuing to wear a broken denture, you could cause damage to your gums, soft tissue, and the remaining teeth in your mouth. Ultimately, you should call us to address your broken denture immediately.

How to handle a broken denture: You shouldn’t wear a broken denture, and you shouldn’t try to repair it on your own with super glue or other household items. These materials are not biocompatible and could even make you sick! Instead, give us a call so we can give you further instructions.

How we treat broken dentures: The way we address broken dentures will depend on the severity of the damage. If there are only minor chips and cracks, we may be able to repair them with composite resin. However, if the damage is more severe, you may need to get a new denture. This is also a great time to consider other tooth replacement options, like dental implants.

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Loose Permanent Tooth

Are loose permanent teeth a dental emergency? Yes! If your permanent tooth is loose, then it is at risk of falling out. Even if it isn’t causing you pain, you should still seek help from a dentist immediately.

How you should handle a loose permanent tooth: If you notice that one of your teeth is loose, you should give us a call right away. Until you come to the practice, avoid touching your tooth and eating foods that are hard or sticky. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth as the loose tooth and don’t brush or floss the area. Instead, rinse your mouth with warm water to keep your tooth clean.

How we treat loose permanent teeth: We will do everything we can to save your tooth. But if we aren’t able to salvage it, we can discuss tooth replacement options, like dental implants.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Dental Implants

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? Cuts to the mouth can be alarming, as they bleed a lot. If you are worried about a wound in your mouth, give us a call. We can give you further instructions.

How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: You should rinse the area well with water to remove any debris that is present. Use a clean washcloth to apply pressure until the bleeding subsides. A cold compress can also help to reduce swelling and pain.

How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: If the wound is small, we may be able to help by stitching it shut. However, if the wound is large or won’t stop bleeding, you should head to the emergency room.

Jaw Pain

Is jaw pain a dental emergency? This isn’t usually a dental emergency, but it can still have a big impact on your everyday life. If the pain becomes constant or chronic, schedule a visit with us.

How you should handle jaw pain: In most cases, an over-the-counter pain reliever and an ice pack can help to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. However, if you think your jaw may be broken or dislocated, you should go to the emergency room. We’d be happy to address concerns about your smile after you have been discharged.

How we treat jaw pain: A custom nightguard for bruxism may be able to help reduce your pain. If your wisdom teeth are what’s causing your discomfort, we can work with you to have them extracted.

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

You shouldn’t use a toothpick, tweezers, or any other sharp items to try to get something out of your teeth. You may end up pushing the object deeper or hurt your soft tissues. Instead, you should gently gloss around the teeth and rinse your mouth with water. If you are struggling to remove the item on your own, give us a call so we can help you out.

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

Emergency dental patient holding her cheek in pain
  • Step 1: Call us as soon as you can. When a dental emergency occurs, the first thing you should do is stay calm and give our dental office a call. This gives you the opportunity to schedule an appointment with our office (ideally for the same day) and get helpful advice from our dental team.
  • Step 2: See your Hoover emergency dentist. When you arrive, Dr. Moulton will see you right away for an exam. While evaluating the extent and source of your emergency, he’ll also provide pain relief as necessary. Afterwards, he’ll review his findings with you and fully explain your treatment options. Together, you’ll create a custom treatment plan.
  • Step 3: Get the care you need, fast! Once a treatment plan has been made, our experienced team will leap into action. No matter what type of service you need, whether it’s a root canal, dental crown, or something else entirely, your comfort and well-being will be our top priorities. If you’re feeling particularly anxious or uncomfortable, we may recommend a calming sedation dentistry option.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

There are a variety of situations that qualify as dental emergencies. Some require immediate attention, while others can wait until the next available appointment. To determine how quickly you need to be seen, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you suspect you need urgent dental care. We’ll help assess your situation and schedule your appointment accordingly. Prior to your arrival, there are ways you can improve your overall condition and ensure the best outcome for your issue. Below, you’ll get a chance to learn exactly what steps to take next following a specific dental emergency.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies

Dental team member shaking hands with dental patient at front desk

When treating dental emergencies, it’s important to note that the more serious your emergency is, the more complex treatment may be to resolve it. For example, tooth pain could be a sign of decay, which only requires a thorough cleaning and possibly dental filling or crown placement. However, if the pain is caused by oral infection, root canal treatment will be needed, which costs more to complete. Either way, the last thing you should do is put off treatment, allowing it to get worse and increase your total costs. Rest assured – we’ll be there every step of the way to help you navigate the financial aspects of your emergency dental care in Hoover.

Every Dental Emergency Is Different

Believe it or not, visiting your emergency dentist in Hoover is not as expensive as you might think. During your appointment, our team will evaluate your case and determine which treatments are necessary to get your smile back on the right track. Of course, it’s impossible to provide an accurate cost estimate until you come to our office for an emergency visit. Some common solutions for dental emergencies typically include root canal treatment, tooth extractions, dental crowns, and TMJ treatment. Our team will thoroughly explain our findings and walk you through your recommended treatment plan to ensure you know what to expect.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Dental emergencies aren’t entirely avoidable, but there are many things you can do to prevent them from happening. Simple practices like visiting your dentist every six months and taking proper care of your smile can save you thousands of dollars over the years!

You can also save money by making a dental appointment as soon as you notice something wrong with your mouth. Addressing dental pain or a damaged tooth right away is incredibly important. Otherwise, the associated costs will only grow the longer you wait. Seeking prompt treatment can make the difference between needing root canal therapy or an extraction.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

You’ll be happy to know that most dental insurance plans offer some form of coverage for emergency situations. Usually, at least one annual exam is fully covered, and the majority of services associated with hurting teeth receive partial coverage. Of course, the exact percentage varies based on your specific policy. Make sure you contact your insurance provider to confirm the details of your coverage before committing to anything. If needed, our team is more than happy to help with this step!

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

What if you don’t have dental insurance? Don’t worry – we offer additional financing options to help make your care as affordable as possible. Some of those include:

  • In-Office Dental Membership: For a flat fee, you can get the dental care you need and enjoy sizeable discounts on many other services. You essentially get the benefits of traditional insurance without the red tape!
  • CareCredit Financing: This option allows you to split up the total cost of your care into smaller monthly installments. Best of all, these payment options come with little-to-no interest attached to help you save even more money.
  • Special Offers: Currently, you can take advantage of our $39 limited emergency exam and X-ray deal. We can confirm what’s happening inside your mouth without breaking the bank!

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Woman grinning while flossing her teeth

Most dental emergencies can be avoided when you implement good oral hygiene habits, like making routine visits to our dental office for teeth cleanings and dental checkups. Steps like this can make a big difference in avoiding the majority of dental conditions, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. For more best practices we encourage our patients to implement to avoid a sudden dental injury, read on!

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

As mentioned above, routine visits to our office for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning are crucial. During the oral exam, our Hoover dentist will carefully check your teeth, gums, and any existing restorations for damage, which could’ve otherwise resulted in a painful dental emergency. The cleaning also serves an important purpose because it allows our team to gently remove stubborn plaque, reducing your chances of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Although our team will do everything we can to help prevent dental damage, keeping your teeth and gums healthy relies heavily on a solid oral hygiene routine. So, make sure to implement best practices like brushing twice a day, rinsing with mouthwash regularly, and flossing daily. Bonus tip: use the right tools, like a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride!

Stick to a Nutritious Diet

Naturally, what you eat impacts your oral health. However, what you eat also has the potential to result in a dental emergency. After all, it takes just one hard bite into a popcorn kernel for your afternoon at the movies to turn into an urgent trip to your dentist’s office. For this reason, it’s important to exercise caution with hard, sticky, and chewy foods. As much as possible, add nutrient-dense foods to your plate, like fruits and vegetables.

Wear a Mouthguard

Did you know that roughly five million teeth are knocked out each year, and a good number are from sports-related incidents? So, if you participate in contact sports, it’s crucial that you have a custom-made sportsguard for optimal protection. Fortunately, our Hoover emergency dentist can provide you with one that’s comfortable and effective, making it easy to wear during practices and games.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

In short, you should never use your teeth to open packages, bottles or perform any task that is better suited for a tool. Although your teeth are sharp and strong, they aren’t meant to withstand that kind of pressure, which can cause them to easily chip or fracture.

Dental Emergency FAQs

When a dental emergency occurs, a thousand questions come to mind. When should you go to the dentist’s office vs. the ER? How can you treat symptoms until your appointment? At Moulton Dentistry of Hoover, we do our best to take the stress out of sudden dental injuries by offering same-day appointments and a comprehensive array of services at one convenient location. If you are worried about what to do in an emergency situation, we’ve listed a few frequently asked questions below.

Should I Go to the ER for My Dental Emergency?

From a knocked-out tooth to a fractured jaw, there are a multitude of injuries that can occur at a moment’s notice. However, potentially life-threatening issues, like a fractured jaw, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a deep facial cut necessitate a visit to your nearest emergency room. Once you have received medical attention, you can contact our office to schedule a same-day appointment with our emergency dentist in Hoover. From there, Dr. Moulton will rebuild your smile and prevent your teeth and gums from sustaining additional damage.

How Do I Bring Down Facial Swelling?

If you begin to notice swelling around your cheeks or jaw due to dental trauma, you can apply a cold compress or covered ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes at a time. Not only will this reduce the puffiness, but it will also numb the area slightly to relieve your discomfort. However, if the soreness persists, you can take an over-the-counter medication, like Ibuprofen, to help manage the pain until your appointment.

What Items Should I Include in My Emergency Dental Kit?

Dental emergencies seem to always occur at the most inconvenient times, so preparation is paramount. To prevent an already anxiety-inducing experience from becoming downright chaotic, include the below items in your emergency dental kit:

  • Latex-free gloves
  • Ibuprofen
  • Gauze pads
  • A container large enough to fit a tooth
  • Saline rinse solution

What If I’m Afraid of the Dentist and Need Treatment?

If the thought of visiting the dentist sends a bead of sweat down your spine, you are not alone. In fact, thousands of Americans experience mild to severe dental phobia. That’s why we offer sedation options for anxious patients. With these reliable, safe, and effective calming services, fear won’t stop you from getting the dental care you need!