Emergency Dentist in Winston-Salem

We can treat your dental emergency in Winston-Salem, NC

Facing a dental emergency can feel scary, but you can take comfort in knowing you never have to do it alone. At the dental practice of Dr. Jeffrey J. Tibbs, our trusted treatment team is here for all your unexpected tooth injuries. 

The next time you need an emergency dentist in Winston-Salem, don’t wait to call us at (336) 765-7477!

Also, continue reading to learn more about emergency dentistry and our approach to treatment.

• We Are Here When You Need Us
• We Can Treat Your Dental Emergency in Winston-Salem
• What Is a Root Infection?
• What if I Need a Tooth Extraction?
• How Can I Lower My Risks?
• Don't Postpone Getting Help for Your Smile

We Are Here When You Need Us

The most frustrating thing about dental emergencies is that you can never plan for them. You may wake up with a toothache on the eve of an important event. You may get hit with a baseball at the big game.

Unfortunately, nearly all dental emergencies require attention from an experienced dentist, and since you can’t treat your injuries on your own, you’ll need a dental appointment as soon as possible to save your tooth. You want relief, and you want to protect your smile's health. And so do we!

When a surprise toothache or trauma strikes, you’ll want to know you have a compassionate treatment team on your side. Our goal is to repair your smile as quickly and efficiently as we can, and our initial focus is getting you out of pain and helping you feel like you can manage your symptoms. 

We understand that sometimes, crazy dental emergencies happen—and when they do, we’ll work quickly to repair the damage. 

When you sustain an unexpected dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re prepared to treat an array of common dental emergencies, such as:

• Infected teeth
• Knocked-out, or “avulsed,” teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Painful or aching teeth
• Broken teeth
• Fractured or cracked teeth
• Soft tissue injuries
• Object lodged between teeth
• Broken or damaged restorations

Yes, we repair broken dental restorations, such as fillings and tooth crowns, and can evaluate painful orthodontic situations like a broken bracket or wire that is hurting your soft tissues. 

Whether you have a broken tooth, a toothache, or a damaged tooth, we can treat it right away with emergency dentistry in 27103.  

What Is a Root Infection?

A root infection or tooth trauma that affects the root and pulp of a tooth is probably one of the most common dental emergencies we treat. This situation means that you have an infection deep in your tooth.

In many cases, this situation is marked by a toothache, gum swelling, and a gum blister. However, it can also present with no symptoms if the nerve is damaged and no longer conductive. In either case, a root infection is a dental emergency because infections can spread and compromise your other teeth and even your overall wellness. 

If you notice the symptoms of a root infection, you should contact our dental office.

Your dentist will diagnose the situation, and if you do have a root infection, we will treat it accordingly. You may notice mild soreness for a day or two following therapy—easily treatable with over-the-counter medications or other aftercare instructions for relief.

Your dentist closes your tooth with a temporary filling and later provides a tooth-colored filling or a dental crown to complete your root canal. This decision is based on the integrity of the tooth. If it is weak, your dentist places a crown instead of the tooth-colored filling.

If you have significant damage to a tooth, including a tooth cracked below the gumline, significant trauma, or profound decay, your dentist may suggest an extraction followed which can, in the future, include tooth replacement. In some cases, patients want this option as well.

For a tooth extraction in Winston-Salem, NC, your dentist numbs the area and gently extracts the tooth. We then provide aftercare instructions, which include information on why you should not drink through a straw for a day or two following the extraction and why it is better not to smoke.

After the area heals, your dentist typically recommends tooth replacement. Our tooth replacement options include:

• Dentures—stand in for full tooth loss
• Partial dentures—stand if for sporadic tooth loss
• Dental implants—replace your root and your tooth and can support a bridge or denture

Your emergency dentist in Winston-Salem will examine your teeth and gums and go over your recent dental health history, including x-rays, to help you decide which option is best for your smile goals, lifestyle, and budget. Considerations include the state of your gum health and any underlying conditions like periodontal disease.

How Can I Lower My Risks?

None of us want a dental emergency. We certainly don’t want a toothache or tooth extraction due to severe decay.

Preventive dentistry, fortunately, is a fantastic option when it comes to lowering your risks, and we follow preventive practices put forward by the American Dental Association.

The recommendations for optimal preventive care include:

• Twice-yearly dental exams
• Twice-yearly teeth cleanings
• X-rays as needed

Exams look for emerging oral health issues that may mean dental emergencies later if not caught early and treated. Teeth cleanings clear away the bacteria that lead to tooth decay and infection.

If you have a specific oral health condition, your dentist customizes your treatment schedule.

Your preventive dentistry must be accompanied by an excellent oral health routine between dental visits, including brushing and flossing regularly.

It is also important to care for your smile when you’re on the athletic field. This means wearing your mouthguard. For those who grind and clench their teeth during sleep, it’s crucial to never skip wearing your nightguard.

Dental emergencies can be tempting to ignore, especially if they happen at an inconvenient time or seem minor based on looks alone. If you hurt a tooth or part of your mouth, however, the best thing you can do for your oral health is to call your Winston-Salem emergency dentist. 

Many dental injuries are worse than they appear from the outside, and only dental professionals should evaluate your smile and determine your treatment plan.

The next time you experience a dental emergency, call our dental team at (336) 765-7477. We’ll treat your tooth using the very best in restorative dentistry and have your smile back to normal in no time.