Dental emergencies don't keep office hours
A severe toothache on a Tuesday afternoon, a broken tooth at a weekend sports game, a lost crown the morning of an important presentation — dental emergencies have a way of arriving at the worst possible time. Knowing where to go and what to do first can make a significant difference in both the outcome and your comfort in the meantime.
At Advanced Dentistry of Mooresville, we keep time in our schedule specifically to accommodate urgent appointments. Whether you're an existing patient in pain or you're new to our practice, call us first — we'll get you in as quickly as we possibly can, and usually have same-day appointments available.
Situations that warrant a same-day call
Severe Tooth Pain
Pain that's keeping you from sleeping, eating, or functioning normally is your body's signal that something is genuinely wrong. This level of discomfort can indicate a significant infection, a cracked tooth with nerve involvement, or pulp damage — all of which benefit from prompt evaluation. Don't wait to see if it passes on its own.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the few true dental emergencies where minutes matter. Handle the tooth only by the crown — never the root. Rinse it gently with water or milk (preferred!), without scrubbing or removing any tissue. If possible, gently reinsert it into the socket and hold it in place. If that isn't feasible, store the tooth in milk or tuck it between your cheek and gum to keep it moist. Call us immediately. Successful replantation is most likely within the first 30 to 60 minutes.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A crack or fracture that causes pain when biting, temperature sensitivity, or involves a significant piece of tooth should be seen the same day. What appears to be a minor crack can involve the nerve, and the sooner we evaluate it, the more options we have for treatment.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost restoration may or may not be painful, but the exposed tooth is vulnerable to further damage and bacterial contamination. Come in as soon as you can. In the meantime, dental cement or temporary filling material from the pharmacy can serve as a temporary protective measure.
Dental Abscess or Facial Swelling
Swelling in the gum, cheek, jaw, or neck associated with a tooth is a sign of spreading infection. This should never be ignored or left to resolve on its own. If you develop significant facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, or any trouble breathing, go directly to the nearest emergency room — these are signs the infection may be spreading into deeper tissue spaces, which is a medical emergency.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts or lacerations to the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue that won't stop bleeding with firm, direct pressure need prompt evaluation. Clean the area gently, apply pressure, and come in or head to urgent care depending on severity.
Managing discomfort while you wait: Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. A cold pack applied to the outside of the face helps with swelling. Avoid placing aspirin directly on gum tissue — it can cause a chemical burn. If a crown has fallen off, call right away. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the exposed tooth for a small amount of time until you are able to make it in to see Dr. Lindsey.
Call us. Don't wait it out.
Dental problems rarely improve on their own, and delaying treatment almost always makes things more complicated. We're here, and we want to help. Call (704) 663-3200 and let us know what's happening — we'll take it from there.