Emergency Dentistry
At South Peters Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time, often when you least expect them. That's why Dr. Luke Hunley and our dedicated team are committed to providing prompt, effective emergency dental care to our patients in Knoxville, TN. We're here to help relieve your pain, address urgent dental issues, and restore your oral health as quickly as possible.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry focuses on providing immediate care for unexpected dental problems that require urgent attention. These situations can range from severe toothaches and broken teeth to lost fillings or crowns. Emergency dentistry aims to quickly diagnose the issue, alleviate pain, and provide necessary treatment to prevent further complications.
Emergency Dentistry Options
At South Peters Dentistry, we offer several options to ensure you receive the care you need when dental emergencies arise:
Same Day Treatment
We understand that when you're in pain, waiting isn't an option. That's why we strive to offer same-day treatment for dental emergencies during our regular office hours. Whether you're dealing with a severe toothache, a chipped tooth, or a lost filling, we'll do our best to see you as soon as possible and provide the necessary treatment to address your urgent dental needs.
Our same-day emergency services may include:
- Pain management
- Tooth extractions
- Emergency root canals
- Repair of broken or chipped teeth
- Replacement of lost fillings or crowns
After Hours Answering Machine
While we don't offer after-hours emergency services, we understand that dental emergencies don't always happen during regular business hours. That's why we have an after-hours answering machine system in place. If you experience a dental emergency outside of our office hours, you can leave a message, and we'll check these messages over the weekend.
This system lets us stay informed about urgent cases and respond promptly when our office reopens. We'll prioritize your case and reach out to you as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
What constitutes a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies typically include severe pain, bleeding, knocked-out teeth, loose adult teeth, or injuries to the mouth or jaw. If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it's best to contact us for guidance.
How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency?
During our regular office hours, we strive to see emergency cases on the same day. The exact timing may depend on the nature of your emergency and our current schedule, but we always prioritize urgent cases.
What should I do if I have a tooth knocked out?
If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket without touching the root. If that's not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or between your cheek and gums. Contact us immediately, as quick action can increase the chances of saving the tooth.
Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?
While emergency rooms can provide pain relief and treat infections, they typically aren't equipped to handle specific dental procedures. It's usually best to contact a dentist for dental emergencies.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
Regular dental checkups, wearing a mouthguard during sports, avoiding chewing on hard objects, and maintaining good oral hygiene can all help prevent dental emergencies.