Accidents happen, and when they involve your teeth, they can be incredibly stressful. Whether it is a trip on the sidewalk or a sports-related injury, a dental emergency requires quick thinking and even quicker action. At Family Dental of Pelham, we prioritize emergency cases because we know that when it comes to saving a tooth, every minute counts.

If you find yourself staring at a broken or knocked-out tooth, the first thing to do is take a deep breath. Here is exactly how an emergency dentist near you can help and what you should do in the meantime.

What to Do for a Knocked-Out Tooth?

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies, but it does not always mean you have lost the tooth forever. If you act fast, we can often replant it.

Handle with Care

Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. Touching the root can damage the delicate cells needed for the tooth to reattach to your jaw.

Rinse Gently

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with cool water. Do not use soap or chemicals, and do not scrub it or wrap it in a tissue.

Try to Reinsert It

If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket and hold it there by biting down softly on a piece of gauze. If it will not stay, the next best thing is to keep it moist.

Keep it Moist

Place the tooth in a small container of milk or a tooth-preservation kit. If neither is available, keep it in your mouth next to your cheek. Do not use plain tap water, as it can damage the root surface.

Get to the Dentist Fast

You generally have a 30 to 60-minute window to have the tooth successfully replanted. Contact Family Dental of Pelham immediately so we can prepare for your arrival.

Dealing with a Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken tooth might not be as urgent as a knocked-out one, but it still requires professional attention to prevent infection or further damage.

• Find the Pieces: If you can find the broken fragments, bring them with you. Sometimes we can bond the original piece back onto the tooth.
• Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm water to keep the area clean.
• Manage Swelling: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to keep any swelling down and help with pain.
• Cover Sharp Edges: If the break has left a sharp edge that is cutting your tongue or cheek, cover it with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or dental wax.

How Family Dental of Pelham Handles Emergencies

When you call us with an emergency, we do not just fit you into a slot; we make your care a priority. Here is how we help:

Immediate Pain Relief

Our first goal is to get you comfortable. We use local anesthetics and gentle techniques to stop the pain quickly.

Advanced Imaging

We use digital X-rays to see what is happening beneath the gum line. This helps us determine if there is damage to the root or the surrounding bone that is not visible to the naked eye.

Restoration Options

Depending on the damage, we may use dental bonding for minor chips, a crown for more significant breaks, or a root canal if the inner pulp of the tooth has been exposed to bacteria. If a tooth cannot be saved, we can discuss permanent replacement options like dental implants.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While you cannot plan for an accident, you can reduce your risk. If you or your children play contact sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard from our office provides much better protection than the store-bought versions. Also, avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages; that is a common cause of unexpected breaks.

If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency in Pelham or the surrounding area, do not wait. A delay can be the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Call Family Dental of Pelham today at (603) 635-2146 to schedule your dental consultation with Dr. Ruchieka Vij and Dr. Hitesh Vij. You may also email us at dentist@familydentalofpelham.com if you have any questions.

We proudly serve families across Lowell, Nashua, Lawrence, Haverhill, Merrimack, Tewksbury, Derry, Londonderry, Salem, Dracut, Hudson, Pelham, Tyngsborough, Methuen, Windham, and Litchfield.

A healthy smile builds confidence and comfort—and you deserve care that lasts a lifetime.