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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.