Emergency Dentistry Thorndale

Count on Us to Quickly Relieve Any Dental Pain

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Dental emergencies happen in an instant. At Chester County Dental Arts, our team can help and won’t make you wait, just contact our dental office right away for emergency dentistry in Thorndale. Dr. Mark Simeone welcomes emergencies and does everything in his power to treat them on the same day as your initial call.

Why Choose Chester County Dental Arts for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
  • Team of Experienced Emergency Dentists Dedicated to Your Comfort
  • Efficient Treatment Thanks to Latest Technology

What to Do In a Dental Emergency

Man sitting in dental chair with a toothache
  • Step 1: Call our dental office right away! We’ll schedule you for a same-day emergency appointment and walk you through how to manage your emergency until you can reach us.
  • Step 2: When you arrive, your Thorndale emergency dentist, Dr. Simeone, will see you right away. He’ll focus on evaluating your condition and providing any necessary pain relief.
  • Step 3: Simeone will review his findings with you and fully explain your treatment options, including their estimated length and price. He’ll work with you to put together a treatment plan that works for your specific situation.
  • Step 4: Our team will leap into action right away to protect your teeth and repair your smile. Whether you need a dental crown, root canal, tooth extraction, or something else entirely, we will always prioritize your comfort and well-being. Particularly nervous or uncomfortable patients may be interested in receiving nitrous oxide dental sedation for a relaxing experience.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

No matter if your dental injury is minor or severe, knowing how to handle the problem can minimize additional damage while at home. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat:

Root Canal Treatment

Woman in brown shirt rubbing her jaw in pain

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?

  • Significant, constant pain in the area of a specific tooth
  • Discomfort that occurs when chewing on a certain side of the mouth
  • Excessive oral sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Tooth discoloration

You may be in need of root canal treatment. Although root canals have a negative connotation, the treatment is a highly successful procedure that restores health to severely damaged teeth and saves them from the threat of extraction. Dr. Simeone accesses the inside of the tooth and thoroughly cleans away bacteria. After sealing the area shut, a custom-made dental crown is placed over the tooth, restoring the tooth’s full strength and function.

Learn More About Root Canal Treatment

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

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Dr. Simeone and his team believe in offering patients affordable care, which is why we are pleased to be in-network with many major PPO dental insurance companies. We also provide alternative payment options so patients don’t have to pay all at once. Read on or contact us today to discuss the cost of emergency dentistry in Thorndale.

Every Dental Emergency is Different

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Unlike regular dental checkups and cleanings, which are considered preventive care and covered in full by your insurance company, dental emergencies are unexpected occurrences. As a result of the necessary, immediate care you must receive, this will likely cost a bit more than your standard visit. But before you become hesitant to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment for your severe toothache or lost crown/filling, take into consideration the following factors that can influence the cost of your visit:

  • Location of Dentist’s Office: If located within a larger city, the cost of living may be a bit higher, which can lead to more expensive dental care.
  • Dental Insurance: If you have dental insurance, you will likely pay much less than someone uninsured. The reason is that your insurance company agrees to pay some or all of your restorative care. The amount they agree to pay will be determined by the type of treatment you receive as well as if you’ve met your deductible.
  • Restorative Treatment: All restorative treatments have different costs, so it will ultimately be up to you and Dr. Simeone to decide which appropriate method of care will not only fix the problem but also allow you to stay within your budget.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Woman sitting in dental chair smiling

When reviewing your policy, you’ll find that most offer one emergency dental visit each year. This means the actual emergency appointment will likely be quite affordable. The real cost comes when undergoing restorative care. However, there is also good news because a majority of plans provide anywhere from 50-80% coverage for these services. Our team will work to establish the best way to get the most out of your plan while helping you to save the most money.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

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At Chester County Dental Arts, Dr. Simeone is pleased to also accept payment through CareCredit and LendingClub. No matter which option you choose, you can expect to better manage your budget while being able to spread out the cost of your treatment. Depending on the length of your plan, you can choose from low and no-interest options.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Squeezing toothpaste onto a toothbrush

Each patient is different, as is every dental emergency. This is why a scheduled consultation is essential. Unfortunately, many patients forgo these visits simply because they don’t think they can afford care or that the pain will suddenly go away on its own.

Before you take the same misstep, remember it is always better to seek professional help from an emergency dentist in Thorndale than to wait and watch your symptoms worsen over time. Instead, make an appointment as soon as you notice any pain or anything abnormal in your smile. Also, stay on top of your oral hygiene routine to minimize your risk for serious injury or infection.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

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If you’re curious about how you can prevent dental emergencies in Thorndale, you’ve come to the right place. While it is true that no two injuries are the same, and some are far more severe than others, one thing remains the same among all dental patients – prevention. There are steps you can take to minimize your risk of an oral health injury, and Dr. Simeone and our team have compiled a brief list to better explain.

Keep Your Regular Dental Appointments

Man in dental chair looking up at dentist and smiling

Your dentist is your greatest ally. Not only is it their passion for dentistry and commitment to helping you to achieve a healthier smile, but they also want to do everything possible to reduce your chances of developing decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Dr. Simeone cares about you as a person, which is why six-month regular checkups and cleanings are beneficial. Apart from the time spent focusing on what is happening inside your mouth, he will make any necessary recommendations to help avoid problems forming throughout your body. As a result, these visits reduce your risk of serious injury to your oral anatomy.

Keep Brushing and Flossing

Woman brushing teeth in bathroom mirror

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home is crucial. It’s not enough to brush in the mornings. You must clean your teeth at least twice each day for two full minutes. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste helps to eliminate bad oral bacteria. But flossing is equally essential because it removes any plaque that may be between teeth. Finally, rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash can keep your mouth refreshed and clean.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

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Sugars and starches can be difficult to stay away from – they’re in everything! But learning about moderation and which foods to consume and which ones to avoid or limit will not only benefit your waistline but also your mouth. Trading out chips and cookies for low-fat dairy, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, and lean meats can strengthen your teeth, improve your gum health, and avoid the potential for serious dental decay.

Wear a Mouthguard to Protect Your Teeth

Woman holding a mouthguard

Whether you enjoy playing sports or struggle with bruxism while you sleep, wearing a customized mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect your pearly whites. Teeth are highly vulnerable when out on the field, court, or even while you’re sleeping due to unconscious grinding. Wearing a comfortable and customizable device can minimize the potential threat to your teeth.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

Older man with glasses looking in box

Packages and containers were never meant to be opened with a person’s teeth. Instead, they require scissors or a knife. There are even some situations that require a can opener. You may find this to be a waste of time, which is why your teeth begin to look quite useful. Unfortunately, using your teeth to open anything will only increase your risk of serious injury. Teeth are strong but not indestructible. If you want to avoid the emergency dental office in Thorndale, take a few extra minutes to find the right tool.

Relaxing Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation

Woman sitting in dental chair and smiling

Dental emergencies are stressful enough, so if you experience phobia surrounding a visit to the dentist, this added anxiety can be a little too much. Luckily, we offer effective sedation dentistry options to help any patient feel relaxed and free from pain in our dental office. Nitrous oxide, “laughing gas,” has long been used by dentists to help patients achieve the optimal level of relaxation in the dental office. This sedation dentistry option is ideal for almost any patient or treatment plan, but during a dental emergency, nitrous oxide can be especially helpful. The effects take hold quickly, and the level of sedation can be continually adjusted to ensure you’re not in pain or experience unnecessary stress. Then, the nitrous oxide wears away just as quickly as it set in, so you can leave our dental office with a clear head and fully restored smile.

Dental Emergency FAQs

Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?

Despite any wishful thinking, you shouldn’t count on your toothache to simply go away on its own. In fact, a once-painful toothache that has disappeared could be the sign of an infection that has progressed and needs immediate treatment, as the very nerve of the tooth could be damaged. Sometimes, tooth pain can also dissipate if it was being caused by something like an object lodged between your teeth and gums. In any case, even if you have a minor toothache that’s been hurting for more than a day, you shouldn’t shy away from scheduling a dental visit before things have the chance to become worse.

Do Chipped Teeth Heal?

If you’ve sustained a chipped tooth, you might feel as though your situation doesn’t warrant emergency treatment—and you might even be wondering if the tooth will heal up on its own. Unfortunately, this is not the case; while enamel is in fact the hardest substance in the entire human body, it cannot heal on its own. This means that chipped teeth, no matter how minor or severe, will not grow back. The possibility also exists for the tooth to become even further fractured without professional care, which can result in increased sensitivity and discomfort.

What Should I Store Inside My Emergency Dental Kit?

It’s never a bad idea to stay prepared for unexpected dental emergencies, and an emergency dental kit can help you with this. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, but you should at least include the following basics:

  • Cotton balls, clean gauze pads, and sterile gloves.
  • A small plastic container (for displaced teeth and restorations).
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen.
  • Topical anesthetics such as Orajel or a similar product.
  • A card with your emergency dentist’s contact information.

Should I Go to the Emergency Room for a Dental Emergency?

Although this might seem counterintuitive, the emergency room actually isn’t the best place to visit when you experience a dental emergency. More often than not, emergency rooms and their personnel don’t have the necessary means or equipment to deal with toothaches or other serious oral injuries. While they can usually provide you with pain relief or antibiotics, that’s it; however, an emergency dentist will be able to do this in addition to addressing the true root of the issue. However, it’s also worth noting that for broken or dislocated jawbones, serious lacerations, and swelling that impacts your ability to breathe, an emergency room is your best option.

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? A toothache in Thorndale may not seem like a serious issue, but the truth is that it should be treated right away and considered a dental emergency. Toothaches can arise for many reasons, including a cavity, abscess, sensitivity, lodged object, or even facial trauma.

How you should handle a toothache: If you have something lodged between two teeth, you can use dental floss to remove it safely. This should stop the pain and provide much-needed relief. However, if this is not the cause of your toothache, it’s best to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and rinse with warm salt water until your appointment.

How we treat toothaches: Once you meet with Dr. Simeone to discuss your toothache, he will take digital diagnostic images of your mouth to determine the underlying cause. Once he reviews his findings, he will determine the best course of action to fix the issue. This may include a tooth-colored filling, dental crown, periodontal therapy for diseased gums, or even a root canal or tooth extraction.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings Learn More About Dental Crowns Learn More About Periodontal Therapy Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? A chipped tooth is not necessarily viewed as a dental emergency. Although you shouldn’t wait longer than 2-3 days before receiving treatment (for fear of further damage or infection), this scenario usually does not warrant a same-day appointment.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: Although chipping a tooth may leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance, you can expect to have it fixed sooner rather than later. In the meantime, while you’re at home, it’s best if you avoid chewing on anything crunchy or hard, and place dental wax or sugarless gum over any jagged areas.

How we treat chipped teeth: When meeting with your emergency dentist in Thorndale, you can expect them to mention porcelain veneers as a possible treatment option. If the chip is minor, you may be recommended for direct bonding; however, veneers can deliver transformational results that completely cover imperfections and last 10 years or more.

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? A cracked tooth in Thorndale is considered a dental emergency and should be treated right away. Avoiding immediate care will only put your smile at risk for serious infection or more extensive damage.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: While waiting for your appointment, our dental team will share helpful tips to use at home. To manage any pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. To avoid further damage to your soft oral tissues, place dental wax over the jagged areas of the tooth. Also, do not eat anything hard or crunchy, and try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.

How we treat cracked teeth: Administering treatment to a cracked tooth can be done in many ways, depending on the severity of the damage. Most situations that involve a cracked tooth can be easily treated with a customized dental crown. The artificial tooth will fit over the vulnerable structure to deliver protection. However, if the tooth is severely cracked and no longer functional, the only viable option will be to remove it and have it replaced with a dental bridge or dental implant.

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? You will need to see your emergency dentist in Thorndale sooner rather than later when dealing with sensitive teeth. Because this can arise for many reasons, it’s important that we examine your smile to determine the severity of the issue.

How you should handle very sensitive teeth: Our team will provide first aid tips to use at home to minimize any discomfort. This may include drinking only lukewarm water, avoiding anything hot or cold, staying away from hard, crunchy foods, and giving up bad habits like eating ice or biting your fingernails.

How we treat very sensitive teeth: From excessive teeth whitening and cavities to cracked teeth, gum recession, and even an abscess, sensitive teeth require treatment by a trusted professional. Once Dr. Simeone evaluates your smile, he will likely recommend tooth-colored fillings, prescription mouthwash, antibiotics, desensitizing toothpaste, periodontal therapy, or even root canal therapy.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? A lost tooth in Thorndale is a serious emergency and should be treated as soon as possible.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: No matter how you accidentally knocked out your tooth, try to retrieve it and gently rinse it off with water. Holding it only by the crown, attempt to reinsert it into the socket and lightly bite down to hold it in place. If this is unsuccessful, you may place the tooth in a jar of milk to protect the roots and keep it viable.

How we treat knocked-out teeth: As long as you get to our dental office within the hour, there may be a chance we can reintegrate the tooth with the help of a splint. Otherwise, we’ll need to discuss ways you can replace the tooth. This is usually done with either a dental bridge or a dental implant.

Learn More About Dental Bridges Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? A lost dental crown in Thorndale or dental filling is not a dental emergency. Although it might be worrisome, there is no need to seek professional help on the same day as the incident. Instead, you can call our office, and we’ll work to schedule an appointment for you within a day or two.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown: While you don’t want to wait too long to seek help, you can minimize the potential for further damage by not chewing on that side of your mouth. You can also use dental cement to temporarily re-bond your dental crown. It’s best to avoid hard, crunchy foods, and you’ll need to be careful when attempting to brush and floss your teeth.

How we treat a lost filling or crown: Dr. Simeone and our dental team will determine whether the restoration is salvageable. If so, we will attempt to re-bond it into place. If not, we’ll need to place a new tooth-colored filling or have a metal-free, all-ceramic dental crown created.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings Learn More About Dental Crowns

Broken Dentures

Is my broken denture a dental emergency? Yes, a broken denture in Thorndale is considered a dental emergency.

How you should handle a broken denture: When dealing with a broken denture, it is best if you do not wear it. Doing so will only put your soft oral tissues and any remaining teeth at risk for damage.

How we treat broken dentures: When dealing with a broken denture, it may be fixable with dental bonding. However, that is only possible if the break doesn’t hinder the functionality of the denture. Most likely, we will need to have a new denture created or discuss the potential for alternative tooth replacement options like dental bridges or dental implants.

Learn More About Dental Bridges Learn More About Dental Implants

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? A loose tooth in Thorndale is a serious dental emergency that you should seek treatment for right away.

How you should handle loose permanent teeth: Adults should not possess loose permanent teeth, so when this happens, make sure you don’t poke or prod it with your finger or tongue. Also, don’t chew on that side of your mouth, as it can cause the tooth to come out. It’s best if you are careful when brushing and flossing and avoid biting down on anything hard or crunchy.

How we treat loose permanent teeth: A loose permanent tooth can occur for many reasons, some of which include a cavity, a cracked tooth, gum disease, or a serious infection (abscess). If any of these are the root cause, it may require that you have periodontal therapy or a root canal, or you may need to have it removed and replaced with a dental bridge or dental implant.

Learn More About Dental Bridges Learn More About Dental Implants Learn More About Root Canals

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? No, soft tissue injuries are usually not considered dental emergencies. The reason is that these typically heal just fine at home.

How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: The only reason you should plan to seek professional treatment for a soft tissue injury is if you cannot stop the bleeding after 10 minutes. In this situation, you’ll need to get to a local ER as soon as possible. Otherwise, place a clean gauze over the area to stop the bleeding before applying a cold compress to reduce swelling.

How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: Should you decide to come in for treatment, an emergency dentist in Thorndale will examine the damaged area and recommend appropriate care.

Jaw Pain

Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Yes, jaw pain should be treated as a dental emergency and seen by a professional sooner rather than later.

How you should handle jaw pain: Jaw pain can arise for many reasons, so it’s important that until you get in for an appointment, you avoid biting down on anything hard or crunchy, as it places additional pressure on your jaw joints. Also, be careful when going to sleep that you don’t grind your teeth, as this can cause intense pain.

How we treat jaw pain: The reasons for jaw pain can include impacted wisdom teeth, teeth grinding, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. When any of these are the problem, it’s important that you seek the necessary care to fix it. If you are suffering from bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching), we can create a customized nightguard to help keep your teeth separate throughout the night while you’re sleeping. This minimizes the potential for additional chronic jaw pain and worn tooth enamel.

Learn More About Nightguards

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

It’s unlikely you’ll need treatment for something stuck between your teeth. Instead, use dental wax and warm water to remove it. If you try to use anything other than floss or a water irrigator (i.e., a toothpick, tweezers, or another sharp object), you run the risk of damaging your teeth and soft tissues.