6005 Century Oaks Dr. Suite 100 Chattanooga, TN 37416
423.344.3884

Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies are painful and stressful. At Harrison Family Dentistry in Chattanooga, we provide prompt, compassionate care to relieve pain, protect your teeth, and prevent further complications. Whether you’re facing a sudden toothache, injury, or broken restoration, our team is ready to help when you need it most.

Emergency Dentistry

Fast, Compassionate Care for Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be painful and stressful. At Harrison Family Dentistry in Chattanooga, we provide prompt, compassionate emergency dentistry to relieve pain, protect your teeth, and prevent further complications. Whether you’ve experienced a sudden toothache, injury, or broken restoration, our team is ready to provide fast, effective care when you need it most.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a damaged tooth. Common dental emergencies include:

  • Severe or persistent toothache
  • Knocked-out or fractured teeth
  • Broken or loose dental restorations (crowns, fillings, bridges)
  • Abscesses or signs of infection (swelling, pus, fever)
  • Soft tissue injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue

Prompt treatment can relieve pain, prevent infection, and improve your chances of saving the affected tooth.

Our Emergency Dentistry Services in Chattanooga

At Harrison Family Dentistry, we provide a range of emergency services, including:

  • Same-day urgent appointments for sudden dental pain
  • Tooth repair for fractures, chips, or loose restorations
  • Root canal therapy to treat severe infections
  • Treatment of abscesses or infections to prevent further complications to prevent further complications
  • Emergency extractions when a tooth cannot be saved
  • Soft tissue injury care for cuts or trauma to gums, lips, or tongue

Prompt treatment can relieve pain, prevent infection, and improve your chances of saving the affected tooth.

Why Choose Harrison Family Dentistry for Emergencies

  • Rapid response – We prioritize emergency patients to relieve pain quickly
  • Experienced dentists – Skilled in both restorative and cosmetic care
  • Compassionate care – We understand dental emergencies are stressful and provide gentle, patient-centered treatment
  • Comprehensive solutions – We treat the underlying problem, not just the symptoms

Schedule Your Emergency Dental Appointment in Chattanooga

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, trauma, or signs of infection, don’t wait.

Contact Harrison Family Dentistry for emergency dentistry in Chattanooga, TN. Quick action can save your tooth and restore comfort.

Call Now
423.344.3884

FAQ

What is a dental emergency?

Understanding Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency involves any condition requiring urgent dental care to relieve severe pain, control bleeding, or preserve a tooth. Infections in the mouth that could spread and cause serious or life-threatening health issues are also considered emergencies.

How to know if you need emergency dental care:

  • Is a tooth knocked out? Prompt treatment may allow the tooth to be saved.
  • Are you experiencing significant bleeding or pain in the mouth? If the bleeding or pain is limited to the mouth, contact an emergency dental professional for immediate care. If you have pain or bleeding in other parts of your body, visit a hospital emergency room.
  • Do you suspect an infection? Signs like red, swollen gums, bumps on the gums, or facial swelling may indicate a dental infection. An abscess or severe oral infection could spread to other areas of the body, potentially leading to serious health risks. Seek emergency dental care immediately.
  • Are your teeth loose? Permanent adult teeth should not be loose. A loose tooth, even without pain, indicates a serious issue requiring urgent attention.

What are examples of common dental emergencies?

Common Dental Emergencies That Require Immediate Attention

Dental abscess

  • A serious infection caused by a buildup of pus in or around the tooth.
  • Requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

Exposed nerves

  • Causes severe, sharp pain and extreme sensitivity.
  • Can quickly lead to infection or further damage if untreated.
  • Immediate dental care is essential to protect the tooth.

Severe or unexplained tooth pain

  • Signals that something is wrong beneath the surface.
  • May be related to decay, infection, or nerve irritation.
  • Prompt evaluation helps prevent worsening damage.

Persistent gum bleeding or swelling

  • Occasional mild irritation is normal, but constant bleeding is not.
  • May indicate gum disease, infection, or another health issue.
  • Should be checked by a dentist as soon as possible.

Swelling in the jaw or mouth

  • Unexplained swelling often signals infection or abscess.
  • May worsen quickly without treatment.
  • Requires urgent dental evaluation to prevent complications.

Knocked-out tooth

  • Often caused by trauma or injury.
  • Quick action may allow the tooth to be saved.
  • Emergency dental care is required within an hour for best results.

Chipped, broken, or cracked tooth

  • Damage may expose nerves or weaken the tooth.
  • Can often be repaired if treated quickly.
  • Delays increase the chance of extraction.

Damaged or missing crown

  • Leaves the natural tooth underneath exposed and vulnerable.
  • Increases the risk of decay or infection.
  • Replacing the crown quickly can prevent more invasive treatment.

Lost filling

  • Weakens the tooth structure, making it prone to breaking.
  • May cause sensitivity or discomfort.
  • Needs prompt replacement to avoid further complications.

Food or object stuck between teeth

  • Can irritate the gums and cause pain.
  • May lead to decay, gum disease, or infection if left untreated.
  • Should be removed professionally if flossing doesn’t work.

What should I do in dental emergencies?

Quick steps to follow until you contact our office.

Severe Toothache

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • Use floss gently to remove anything that may be stuck.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
  • Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
  • Call your dentist promptly.

Knocked-Out Tooth

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
  • Rinse gently with water if dirty—do not scrub.
  • Try to place it back in the socket; if not possible, store in milk or saliva.
  • Seek emergency dental care within an hour.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • Apply a cold compress on the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
  • Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.
  • Call your dentist immediately.

Lost Filling or Crown

  • Use temporary dental cement (drugstore) to cover the area if possible.
  • For a crown, you may reseat it with dental cement or toothpaste temporarily.
  • Schedule an emergency appointment quickly.

Bleeding or Swollen Gums

  • Rinse gently with warm salt water.
  • Apply clean gauze to stop heavy bleeding.
  • Call your dentist if bleeding persists or swelling is significant.

Swelling in the Jaw or Mouth

  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Stay upright to help with drainage.
  • Contact your dentist—swelling may indicate infection.

Abscessed Tooth

  • Rinse with warm salt water several times a day.
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
  • Do not attempt to pop or drain the abscess.
  • Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

  • Use dental floss carefully to try and dislodge it.
  • Never use sharp objects (like pins or knives).
  • If floss doesn’t work, call your dentist.
Full-Width Google Map Embed

Contact Us

Would you like to have one of our welcoming team members reach out to you?

Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

Uh-oh! There was an error. Please check the form.

Success! Thanks for reaching out! We will contact you ASAP during our regular business hours.

By submitting this form, you hereby provide your express consent to be contacted by telephone, electronic mail, or text message, and you acknowledge and agreeto the Privacy Policy that any such telephone communications may be recorded for purposes of quality control and training. This form, as well as any subsequent electronic mail or text message communications, shall not be utilized for the transmission of protected health information, unless said transmission is HIPAA secured. We expressly disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information submitted through this form.

Contact Us

Would you like to have one of our welcoming team members reach out to you?

Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

Uh-oh! There was an error. Please check the form.

Success! Thanks for reaching out! We will contact you ASAP during our regular business hours.

By submitting this form, you hereby provide your express consent to be contacted by telephone, electronic mail, or text message, and you acknowledge and agreeto the Privacy Policy that any such telephone communications may be recorded for purposes of quality control and training. This form, as well as any subsequent electronic mail or text message communications, shall not be utilized for the transmission of protected health information, unless said transmission is HIPAA secured. We expressly disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information submitted through this form.

Contact Us

Would you like to have one of our welcoming team members reach out to you?

Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

Uh-oh! There was an error. Please check the form.

Success! Thanks for reaching out! We will contact you ASAP during our regular business hours.

By submitting this form, you hereby provide your express consent to be contacted by telephone, electronic mail, or text message, and you acknowledge and agreeto the Privacy Policy that any such telephone communications may be recorded for purposes of quality control and training. This form, as well as any subsequent electronic mail or text message communications, shall not be utilized for the transmission of protected health information, unless said transmission is HIPAA secured. We expressly disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information submitted through this form.

Contact Us

Would you like to have one of our welcoming team members reach out to you?

Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

Uh-oh! There was an error. Please check the form.

Success! Thanks for reaching out! We will contact you ASAP during our regular business hours.

By submitting this form, you hereby provide your express consent to be contacted by telephone, electronic mail, or text message, and you acknowledge and agreeto the Privacy Policy that any such telephone communications may be recorded for purposes of quality control and training. This form, as well as any subsequent electronic mail or text message communications, shall not be utilized for the transmission of protected health information, unless said transmission is HIPAA secured. We expressly disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information submitted through this form.