If you need an emergency dentist in York, PA, call right away, since fast care can stop pain, prevent infection and save a tooth. Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury sees current patients the same day whenever possible, and new patients when there is an opening. Here is when to call, what to do first and how we can help.
When a dental problem is an emergency
Dental emergencies rarely wait for a convenient time. A severe toothache, a swollen face, a cracked tooth or a tooth knocked out in a fall can all turn serious quickly. Waiting can lead to:
- An infection that spreads
- Losing a tooth that could have been saved
- Jaw problems and more pain
- Bigger, more involved treatment later
Call us right away for
- Severe tooth pain that will not go away
- Swelling in your gums, face or jaw
- A cracked, chipped or broken tooth
- A knocked-out or loosened tooth
- A lost crown or filling, especially if it hurts
- Bleeding after an injury to the mouth
When to go to the ER instead
For life-threatening problems, call 911 or go to the emergency room. That includes trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a high fever with facial swelling, a possible broken jaw or heavy bleeding that will not stop. For most other dental emergencies, a dentist is the better choice. An ER can ease pain for a while, but it usually cannot fix the tooth.
Why see a local emergency dentist
Instead of a long wait at the hospital for tooth pain, a local emergency dentist can:
- Find the exact cause of your pain
- Treat the problem itself, not just the symptoms
- Prescribe antibiotics if they are needed
- Repair or restore a damaged tooth
At Southern York Smile Care, the focus is on fast diagnosis, modern technology and caring, patient-centered treatment. Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, has 35+ years in practice and completed a US Air Force advanced residency. The goal is simple: relieve your pain, save your tooth and protect your smile. Our emergency dental care page has more details.
What to do before your visit
Call us first. Then these steps can help until you are seen.
Severe toothache
Lasting tooth pain often means infection or an irritated nerve.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label.
- Chew on the other side and avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods.
- Do not put aspirin directly on your gum, as it can burn the tissue.
Knocked-out tooth
An adult tooth that is knocked out can sometimes be saved, but time matters. The best chance is when it is treated within about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown, the part you chew with, not the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it gently. Do not scrub it or remove any tissue.
- Keep it moist in milk or saliva. Do not wrap it in a dry tissue.
- Call us right away and come straight in.
Broken or cracked tooth
A cracked tooth can expose the nerve and raise the risk of infection. Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any pieces and use a cold pack on your cheek to keep swelling down. Repair may involve bonding, an all-porcelain crown or a root canal, depending on how deep the crack goes.
Abscess or facial swelling
Swelling can be a sign of a serious infection. Warning signs include throbbing pain, fever, swelling in your face or jaw and a bad taste in your mouth. Do not wait. Infections can spread, so call right away.
Lost crown or filling
Keep the crown if you have it. Avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. Do not glue a crown back on with household glue. Bring it with you so it can be checked and, if possible, put back in place.
Emergency services we provide
- Same-day emergency exams for current patients whenever possible, and weekend care for a true emergency
- Digital X-rays with up to 90% less radiation than older film
- Treatment for toothaches and infections
- Emergency root canal therapy
- Broken tooth repair
- Crown replacement
- Tooth extractions when a tooth cannot be saved
- Temporary and permanent restorations
If your emergency needs longer-term repair, we will talk you through the options, from restorative dentistry to a single tooth implant if a tooth is lost. If you feel anxious, oral sedation can help you stay calm during treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe tooth pain, bleeding, swelling, a knocked-out or broken tooth, an abscess or any injury that keeps you from eating or speaking normally.
Can you see me the same day?
If you are a current patient, yes, whenever possible, and on weekends for a true emergency. If you are new to the practice, we will see you when there is an opening in the schedule. Either way, call as early in the day as you can.
What will it cost?
Costs depend on what treatment you need. After your exam and X-rays, your options will be explained clearly before anything is done. Southern York Smile Care is out of network with every insurer. You pay at the visit, and the office files your claim so you can be reimbursed. Payment plans through CareCredit and Cherry are available. See our financing page.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
Regular checkups find small problems before they become painful ones. Wear a mouthguard for sports, wear a night guard if you grind and do not use your teeth to open packages. Our preventive dentistry page and our article Don't Use Your Teeth as Tools have more tips.
Serving York and southern York County
Southern York Smile Care serves families across York, Shrewsbury, southern York County and northern Baltimore County, MD. Our office at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury is a short drive from much of York County, so you can get help without a long trip.
What to bring to an emergency visit
- A list of your medications and any allergies
- Any broken pieces of tooth, a lost crown or a knocked-out tooth in milk
- Your insurance details, so the office can file your claim
- Someone to drive you home if you may need oral sedation
At your visit, the first step is an exam and X-rays to find the cause. You will hear what is going on and what your choices are before any treatment begins. In many cases the problem can be treated the same day. If more work is needed, you leave out of pain with a clear plan for the next step.
In pain right now? Call us
If you have swelling, severe pain or a dental injury, the sooner you call, the better the outcome. Call Southern York Smile Care at (717) 235-3871 as early in the day as you can: current patients are seen the same day whenever possible, and new patients when there is an opening. For less urgent problems, you can also request an appointment online.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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