Dental Emergencies in Holland

You don’t have to put off getting the dental care you need in an emergency. Contact our team right away to save your smile!

Treatment For All Kinds of Dental Emergencies

Emergency dentistry provides immediate care for patients suffering from severe oral pain, toothaches, and dental injuries. The goal is to alleviate pain and get the mouth back to a healthy state again. Since emergencies can happen at any time, dentists provide same-day, after-hours, or weekend appointments. Get the care that can’t wait with emergency dentistry.

Severe Pain / Discomfort

Chipped Tooth

Injuries to Mouth / Jaw

Loose Dental Work

Knocked Out Teeth

Tooth Infections

Did you know…

Knocked out a tooth? Place it in cold milk to preserve the root while you head to your emergency appointment.

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Get to Know

Dr. Jay Patel

Dr. Jay Patel is originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  He received his Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Temple University.  He has been involved in a number of philanthropic activities such as traveling to Peru to help provide local children with much needed dental care. Dr. Jay is a Fellow of the International Congress of Implantology, a prestigious recognition awarded to dental professionals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and competence in the field of implantology. In addition to being a fellow, Dr. Jay serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry.

After practicing for a few years in Chester County, Dr. Patel has returned to Bucks County to provide excellent care with a gentle touch. In his spare time, Dr. Jay enjoys time with his family and friends, exercising, reading, golfing and is a die hard Philadelphia sports fan.

Dr. Jay enjoys hearing people’s stories and showing them that dentistry is not scary and has evolved greatly in the past 15 years. He loves the relationships he gets to form and the people he meets every day. He also loves being part of a team that understands why they do what they do: giving back smiles.
Dr. Jay Patel at Vibrant Smiles of Holland headshot leaning against a wall smiling

What To Do In A Dental Emergency

Keep Calm & Reduce Bleeding

Any dental mishap can transform a routine day into a stressful, discomforting ordeal. But remember, it's essential to remain calm - your dentist is here to assist you. Simply inhaling deeply and evaluating the situation can significantly improve your decision-making during an emergency. If any bleeding occurs due to your dental injury, use a sterile strip of gauze to apply pressure on the affected area. Hold the gauze in position until the bleeding ceases, or until you get to our office.

Control Swelling & Pain

You can temporarily lessen any pain or swelling you might be experiencing using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. But, avoid aspirin and similar blood-thinning medicines, as they could hamper clot formation and make it harder to halt bleeding. Besides medication, a cold compress can also offer pain relief. Apply an ice pack to the cheek or lip near the affected area.

Call Us Right Away

Once you've gotten a handle on your dental emergency, give us a call right away. Even if you're not certain whether your situation is an emergency, our team is here to help evaluate the injury's seriousness and get you into our office for the necessary care as soon as possible.

The Importance of Prompt Emergency Care

Same-Day Dental Care

Looking for immediate care? Same-day dentistry gets you in our office right away, so you can quickly get back to a healthy oral state. During your visit, your dentist will examine the dental injury and craft an immediate plan to heal and restore your smile that very same day.

After Hours Appointments

Not all dental emergencies happen during business hours! That’s why we offer after-hours appointments for patients experiencing emergencies that can’t wait to be treated. Call our office to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing a dental emergency beyond our usual hours. Our team will do everything we can to work with your schedule, alleviate your pain, and get your smile back to thriving health.

Weekend Appointments

If a dental emergency occurs over the weekend, there’s no need for you to wait in pain until Monday for an appointment. Our office provides limited weekend availability and appointments by request to ensure you receive the immediate treatment you deserve.

Problem-Focused Exams

When issues arise, our team can perform problem-focused exams (also known as limited exams) to help address the issues. Limited exams allow us to focus on what’s hurting or injured so we can get you out of pain and back to normal again.

Digital X-Rays & Imaging

Better diagnostics means better results. With modern imaging techniques, we can quickly and accurately assess your dental emergency, and create a treatment plan right away, so you can relieve your dental pain and get back to your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

What should I do if I’ve knocked out a tooth?

If you've accidentally knocked out a tooth, it's important to act quickly to increase the chances of saving it. First, carefully pick up the tooth by the top (crown) and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with warm water to remove any debris, being careful not to scrub or rub it. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it. If it doesn't go back in easily, store it in a container of cold milk and contact us immediately for guidance and to ensure we are prepared for your visit. Time is of the essence, as the tooth needs to be replaced and splinted within 1-2 hours to avoid further damage.

What should I do if my dental work has fallen out?

If any of your dental work, such as a filling or crown, has fallen out, it's important to take action promptly. Place the dental work in a plastic bag or container and bring it with you to our office. Call us right away to schedule an emergency visit so we can address the issue as soon as possible. Even though it's not a natural tooth, losing dental work can expose vulnerable parts of your mouth to bacteria, leading to infection, decay, or other complications. Don't delay in getting in touch with us to ensure your smile is restored with restorative dental work.

What should I do about a severe toothache?

If you're experiencing a severe toothache that lasts for 2 or more days, it could indicate a tooth infection, which requires immediate attention. Contact us without delay to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, you can manage the pain by applying a cold compress to your cheek, taking over-the-counter pain medication, or using a topical product like Orajel to numb the tooth. However, it's crucial to seek professional dental care to address the underlying cause of the toothache and prevent further complications. Root canal therapy may be necessary to save the tooth.

What should I do about a chipped, broken or cracked tooth?

If you have a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth, it's essential to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Without a thorough examination, it's difficult to determine the severity of the damage. Leaving such issues untreated can lead to infections and additional complications that could have been prevented. Contact us immediately to schedule an appointment and allow us to assess the extent of the damage. We will provide guidance and recommendations on how to restore and protect your smile, as well as alleviate any dental pain you may be experiencing.

What should I do about a loose tooth?

If you have a loose tooth due to a dental injury, it's crucial to contact us right away to schedule a same-day appointment. Leaving a loose tooth untreated can result in the nerves supporting the tooth dying, leading to its loss. To maintain stability, avoid touching the loose tooth with your tongue or fingers. When you arrive at our office for emergency care, your dentist will attach the loose tooth to the adjacent teeth with a stabilizing splint. This splint will provide support and initiate the healing process, allowing the tooth to reattach itself to your gums. Don't hesitate to reach out for our help – we are here to assist you in preserving your tooth.

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