Emergency Dentistry in Fort Smith, AR
If any of our friends and neighbors in Fort Smith experience distress, we want them to get the needed attention. But dental emergencies fall into a special category. In many cases, people overlook dental issues until their symptoms have grown in intensity, interfering with work or other daily responsibilities. So, though our team would prefer to fix your tooth problems early, you can rest assured that we will prioritize your dental emergency.
At Northside Dental, we are especially skilled at rendering effective care when you need us most. We make it a priority to treat you quickly, on the same day, wherever possible.
How to Know You Have a Dental Emergency
We understand if you hesitate to act when you're unsure if your or a family member's condition is an actual emergency. So first and foremost, we want you to follow this rule of thumb: contact our office right away. Our goal is to ask the right questions and give you the benefit of our experience.
Before you pick up the phone, you may help that process by noting a few things. First, because tooth or gum pain is the main symptom, we suggest you rank its severity on a scale of one to ten. If you can pinpoint the origin of your pain, that would aid our diagnosis.
Then, check for one or more of the following:
- Tooth fracture or breakage
- Heat near the painful area
- Gum redness near the pain site
- Tooth enamel wear with discoloration, especially in dark colors
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
If you or a loved one is experiencing one or more of these, your condition requires urgent care, and Dr. Simpson's team is ready to respond today.
A Knocked-Out Tooth Needs Timely Care
If your dental emergency is due to a knocked-out permanent tooth, Dr. Simpson wants to see you immediately. This is because he may be able to save your natural tooth, but the clock is ticking. Follow these steps:
- Don't touch the tooth's root.
- Rinse off debris, if any, very gently with warm water or saliva
- If the tooth will go back into its socket, secure it there with gauze
- If it won't go back, place the tooth in a container of saliva or milk
- Place a cold cloth against your cheek to lessen swelling
Then, call our office for the first available appointment. We will do our best to save your tooth, and your quick thinking may make all the difference.
3 Steps to Being Prepared for a Dental Emergency
Whether an emergency results from unforeseen trauma or is caused by a chronic or progressive condition that is finally demanding treatment, you can prepare via three simple steps:
- Make Northside Dental your general dentist – By developing this relationship, you know exactly who to call and when if the unfortunate happens. This simple piece of mind is priceless.
- Treat progressive conditions early – By keeping your twice a year appointment for cleanings and exams, you allow us to monitor potential problems and offer additional preventive treatments to keep you on track.
- Carry on a diligent at-home routine between visits – By brushing, flossing, and watching out for foods and drinks that threaten your teeth.
We Provide Emergency Dental Services in Fort Smith
If you or a loved one is suffering, Dr. Simpson and his caring team are ready to relieve your pain and treat its causes. We encourage you to contact us without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Aaron Simpson's team wants you to be prepared for the unforeseen in Fort Smith so that when a dental emergency strikes, you can react effectively. The first rule of thumb in an emergency is to avoid panic. Remaining calm helps everyone involved assess the situation. Then, after gathering some information, call our dental office so that we can advise you on your particular circumstances.
Dental Emergency Symptoms
Pain accompanies nearly all dental emergencies and can by itself be an emergency because severe pain interferes with most life activities. Other signs that might indicate a need for urgent care include:
- A pimple-like or other gum sores
- A broken or cracked tooth
- A fractured filling, a dental crown, or other restoration
- An object lodged between your teeth
- Inflammation
Some other symptoms may indicate that you should visit an emergency room first before the dentist. For example, deep cuts or lacerations in your mouth, cheek, or gums should be checked by a medical doctor, and potential fractures or other bone injuries.
Your Emergency Dental Appointment
Dr. Simpson has several goals during your emergency appointment. First, he will work to relieve your pain and stabilize your situation. Then, we will perform a complete assessment that will likely include x-rays and other technology.
If possible, our team will work to resolve your problem with treatment. For example, if you have a compromised tooth, Dr. Simpson could perform root canal therapy and install a CEREC same-day crown in one appointment. Or we can schedule a sooner follow-up appointment to complete your treatment.
Don't hesitate to call our office if you think you may have a dental emergency.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Aaron Simpson DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Aaron Simpson studied and received his degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. In 2016, he worked in Hobbs, NM, at Familia Dental, and after a year, he was excited to start his current practice in Fort Smith. Dr. Simpson describes himself as providing 'bread and butter' dental treatments so that essential care is available for everyone. He also specializes in emergency services, compassionately caring for chronic and traumatic dental problems.
The aspect of dentistry Dr. Simpson enjoys most is making his patients feel comfortable and ...
Emergency Dental Services Technology
Nitrous Oxide
For pain and anxiety relief during your treatment without lasting side effects that keep you from working, nitrous oxide is an effective option. Also called laughing gas, this treatment works when you inhale it through a small mask over your nose. A dental professional will monitor the sedation level so that you begin to feel more relaxed and somewhat detached as you breathe the gas in. Your level of impact is adjustable so that you remain calm throughout, and we can perform your procedure without interference.
When we finish treatment, a team member stops the nitrous oxide, replacing it with pure oxygen, which you inhale for several minutes. This period will clear your head and dispel all effects of the gas. By the time you leave our dental office, you will be able to drive yourself home and even return to your job if that's your choice.
At Northside Dental, we want to remove the obstacles that might prevent you from receiving dental care, and we hate losing teeth.