Emergency Dental Care in Oakdale, PA | Pittsburgh

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, prevent further damage, or preserve your teeth and gums. Common dental emergencies include:

Severe toothaches or nerve pain.
Knocked-out or broken teeth.
Dental abscesses or tooth infections.
Lost fillings or crowns.
Soft tissue injuries to the gums, tongue, or cheeks.
Broken braces or orthodontic wires.

The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline to determine if a toothache requires emergency care:

3 Minutes: If pain is so severe you can’t focus for more than 3 minutes, it’s likely an emergency.
3 Hours: If intense pain persists for 3 hours despite over-the-counter pain relief, seek professional care.
3 Days: If milder pain lingers for 3 days without improvement, it could indicate decay or infection.

Nerve pain in a tooth, often caused by decay, trauma, or infection, can be excruciating. For temporary relief until you see us:

Rinse with Warm Saltwater: Mix 1 tsp of salt in warm water and rinse for 30 seconds to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Take Pain Relievers: Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen (avoid aspirin to prevent bleeding risks).
Apply a Cold Compress: Place on your cheek for 15 minutes to numb pain and reduce swelling.
Use Clove Oil: Dab a small amount on a cotton ball and apply to the affected area (use sparingly).
Avoid Triggers: Don’t chew on the affected side or consume hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Elevate Your Head: Keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce blood flow to the area.