Emergency Dentistry

Pursuing the Perfect Smile

Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies can happen at the most unexpected moments. Whether it’s a painful toothache during a weekend or a sudden injury to a tooth, these situations can feel overwhelming. At Stephen Petinge DMD, we understand how distressing dental emergencies can be—that’s why our Saugus emergency dentistry services are here to provide the care and relief you need when it matters most.

What Is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that addresses urgent oral health issues. These issues may include severe pain, injuries, or infections that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. Emergency dental care aims to provide prompt relief, prevent further complications, and help restore oral health.

At Stephen Petinge DMD, we prioritize same-day care whenever possible, ensuring you’re seen quickly and receive treatment tailored to your condition. Because dental emergencies often come with significant discomfort or anxiety, we also take steps to make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue qualifies as an emergency, so knowing which situations require immediate attention is essential. Below, we’ve compiled a list of common dental emergencies we can help you with and explanations to guide you.

Severe Toothaches: A sharp, persistent toothache is often more than just a minor annoyance—it could indicate infection, tooth decay, or damage to the pulp inside your tooth. It counts as an emergency if the pain is sudden, accompanied by swelling, or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers.
Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Teeth: Teeth can break or chip due to accidents, biting down on something hard, or underlying dental issues. While minor chips may not cause much pain, more severe fractures can expose sensitive inner layers of the tooth, making intervention essential to prevent infection or further damage.
Knocked-Out Teeth: A knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth) requires immediate care. Time is critical—if you can preserve the tooth and see Dr. Stephen Petinge and his team within an hour, there’s a good chance it can be re-implanted. Handle the tooth carefully by the crown, rinse it (without scrubbing), and keep it moist in a container of milk or saliva.
Dental Abscesses: An abscess is a painful pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It often feels like swelling or a pimple-like bump on your gums and may lead to fever, bad breath, or a bad taste in your mouth. If left untreated, an abscess can spread to other body parts, potentially becoming a severe health threat.
Lost Fillings or Crowns: When a filling or crown falls out, the affected tooth is vulnerable to damage and sensitivity. Getting a replacement can prevent further complications and keep your tooth protected.

If you face any of these emergencies or are unsure whether your situation qualifies, don’t hesitate to contact our office for guidance.

Treatment Options at Stephen Petinge DMD

Our Saugus emergency dentistry services offer prompt and practical solutions for various dental issues. Here are some treatment options available to address common dental emergencies.

Toothache Relief

We’ll thoroughly assess the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment, whether filling a cavity, performing a root canal, or prescribing antibiotics for an infection.

Restoration of Broken or Chipped Teeth

Depending on the severity of the damage, we may recommend restoring your tooth with veneers, a crown, or a filling. The goal is to protect the tooth and restore its appearance.

Reimplantation of Knocked-Out Teeth

If you bring a knocked-out tooth in time, we will clean it and attempt to reinsert it into the socket. If reimplantation isn’t possible, we’ll discuss alternative treatments like dental implants.

Treatment for Abscesses

Drainage of the abscess, antibiotics, and potentially a root canal or extraction eliminates the infection and prevents further spread.

Replacement of Fillings or Crowns

We’ll replace lost fillings or crowns with durable, high-quality materials that restore the function and appearance of your tooth.

Protect Your Smile with Saugus Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies can be unexpected and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Stephen Petinge DMD, we provide swift, compassionate care that gets you smiling again. From relieving pain to restoring damaged teeth, we specialize in ensuring you receive the best possible treatment in a time of need. If you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait—contact our office immediately to schedule same-day care with Dr. Stephen Petinge.

Emergency Dentistry