In pain? Broke a tooth? Call us first. We’ll take it from there.
A dental emergency never comes at a good time, and it’s hard to think clearly when your tooth is throbbing. Our Drexel Hill team holds time in the schedule for emergencies, so new and existing patients can often be seen the same day they call. After hours, you can still reach our team by call or text. Our first priority is getting you out of pain. After that, we’ll explain your options in plain language and help you decide what comes next.
1. Call us
Tell us what happened. A real person on our team will help you figure out how urgent it is and find the soonest time to see you.
2. Get relief
We find the source of the problem, usually with a quick exam and digital X-ray, and focus on stopping the pain first.
3. Make a plan
You’ll leave knowing your options, costs, and next steps. There’s no pressure, and you won’t be lectured about how long it’s been.
Dental Emergencies We Treat
If something in your mouth hurts, is broken, or just doesn’t feel right, give us a call. Here are some of the most common reasons people reach out:
Severe toothache
Throbbing or constant pain is often a sign of infection or inflammation inside the tooth. In many cases, a root canal can relieve it and save the tooth.
Swelling or abscess
Swelling in your gums, cheek, or jaw usually means an infection that needs attention. We work to relieve the pressure and treat the cause. How we help with swelling.
Knocked-out tooth
Time matters. Handle the tooth by the top, keep it moist, and call us right away. See what to do.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it and bring it in. We can often re-cement it or replace a lost filling quickly.
Broken denture or implant tooth
A cracked denture or loose implant tooth affects how you eat and smile. We repair and replace dentures and full arch implant teeth.
Wisdom tooth pain
Pressure, swelling, or pain in the back of your mouth can come from an erupting or infected wisdom tooth. Learn about extractions.
Jaw pain, bleeding, or injuries
From jaw and TMJ pain to cuts on the lips, gums, or tongue, we’ll help you sort out what needs care now.
Is your child the one who is hurt? We see kids, too. Learn more about our pediatric dentistry.
Knocked-Out Tooth: What to Do Right Now
- Pick it up by the top (the crown), not the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Don’t scrub it or wrap it in tissue.
- Gently put it back in the socket if you can, and bite down softly on gauze or a clean cloth. If that doesn’t work, keep the tooth in a small cup of milk or tucked inside your cheek.
- Call us right away at (610) 284-4770. After hours, call or text us and leave a message so our team can reach you. If you can’t get through quickly, go to the nearest hospital emergency room, since time matters for saving the tooth.
Baby teeth should not be put back in. Bring the tooth with you instead. For more detail, see the first-aid guides from the American Association of Endodontists and Mayo Clinic.
Tooth Pain and Swelling Relief
Swelling and severe tooth pain usually come from an infection, either inside the tooth or in the gums around it. Depending on what we find, relief may include draining the infection, prescribing medication when it’s needed, and treating the tooth itself so the infection doesn’t come back.
Often, that means root canal treatment, which saves your natural tooth. We do many root canals here in our office. For complex molars and retreatments, we coordinate care with trusted local specialists at Media Endodontics and Drexel Hill Endodontics. If the problem is in the gums, we may recommend gum therapy.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
A chipped front tooth can feel like an emergency even when it doesn’t hurt. Good news: most chips can be repaired in a single visit with cosmetic bonding. We shape a tooth-colored material to match your tooth, harden it with a special light, and polish it smooth. No one will be able to tell.
Deeper cracks or larger breaks may need a crown to protect what’s left of the tooth. If you’ve been wanting to change more about your smile, we can also talk about veneers or cosmetic options once you’re comfortable.
When a Tooth Can’t Be Saved: Same-Day Implant Options
Saving your natural tooth is always our first goal. When a tooth is too broken or infected to repair, it doesn’t have to mean walking around with a gap. In many cases, if the bone and gums are healthy enough, we can remove the tooth and place a dental implant at the same visit, often with a temporary tooth so your smile stays complete while it heals.
Both of our doctors are Fellows of the Resnik Implant Institute, with advanced training in single-tooth and full arch implant care. If you’re dealing with several failing teeth, ask us about full arch options. Consultations for full arch cases are free.
Every Visit Includes an Oral Cancer Screening
Even when you come in for an emergency, we take a few extra minutes to check your whole mouth, including a quick, painless oral cancer screening. Oral cancer is far easier to treat when it’s found early, and many people haven’t had a screening in years.
It’s one more reason an emergency visit can be a good first step back into regular care.
Should I Call the Dentist or Go to the ER?
Call us for
- Toothaches and sensitivity
- Chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Swelling in the gums or face that is not spreading
- Broken dentures or implant teeth
Go to the ER or call 911 for
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Swelling that spreads toward your eye, neck, or throat
- A high fever with facial swelling
- Bleeding that won’t stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
- A possible broken jaw or serious head injury
Emergency rooms can treat infections and injuries, but they usually can’t fix the tooth itself. Once you’re safe, call us so we can take care of the source of the problem.
While You Wait to Be Seen
- For pain: an over-the-counter pain reliever, taken as directed on the label, often helps. Don’t place aspirin directly on your gums.
- For swelling: hold a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
- For a broken tooth: rinse with warm water, save any pieces, and cover sharp edges with sugarless gum or dental wax.
- For bleeding: press firmly on the area with clean gauze or a damp tea bag for 15 minutes.
- For a lost crown: keep it in a safe place and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side.
Emergency Care You Can Afford
Cost shouldn’t be the reason you stay in pain. We’ll always explain fees before treatment begins, and we have options to help:
- We accept most PPO insurance plans, and many cover emergency exams and X-rays. We’re happy to check your benefits for you.
- 0% interest financing for 12+ months through Cherry, with a quick application and a decision in minutes.
- No insurance? Ask about our $100 comprehensive exam and our in-house Smile Membership plan.
- See all of our payment options.
A Local Team That Picks Up the Phone
Bloomfield Dental is an independent, locally owned practice, not a corporate chain. When you call, you’ll talk with someone in our office who can actually help, and you’ll be cared for by Dr. Yarmark and Dr. Kessler, who trained right here in the Philadelphia area. Get to know our team or take an office tour before you come in.
Office Hours
- Monday: 8am to 5pm
- Tuesday: 8am to 6pm
- Wednesday: 8am to 6pm
- Thursday: 8am to 5pm
- Friday: 8am to 2pm
After hours: Call or text us at (610) 284-4770 and leave a voicemail or message. Our team monitors messages after hours and will get back to you. You can also email dentistry@4130bloomfieldave.com, and we’ll reply within 24 hours.
Bloomfield Dental
4130 Bloomfield Ave, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
Get directions · (610) 284-4770
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Do you see emergency patients who aren’t already patients here?
Yes. Many of our emergency visits are with people we’ve never met. You don’t need to be an existing patient. Just call and let us know what’s going on.
Can I be seen today?
We hold time in our schedule for emergencies and do everything we can to see you the same day you call. Calling early in the day gives us the most options.
Will it hurt?
Our focus is getting you out of pain, not adding to it. We numb the area thoroughly before treatment and check in with you throughout. If you feel nervous about dental visits, tell us. You’re far from the only one, and we’ll go at your pace.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
It depends on what you need. We’ll explain your options and their costs before we start any treatment. Most PPO plans help cover emergency exams and X-rays, and we offer 0% financing through Cherry for 12+ months.
What should I do if my emergency happens when the office is closed?
Reach out anyway. Call or text (610) 284-4770 and leave a voicemail or message. Our team monitors messages after hours and will get back to you about next steps. Emails to dentistry@4130bloomfieldave.com are answered within 24 hours. For trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Can a tooth really be replaced the same day it’s removed?
Often, yes. If the bone and gums around the tooth are healthy, an implant can frequently be placed at the same visit as the extraction. When it’s better to wait, we’ll explain why and protect the area while it heals.
I haven’t been to a dentist in years. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Lots of people come back to the dentist because of an emergency. We’ll help with what hurts today and, when you’re ready, help you get back on track.
Don’t Wait It Out
Dental problems rarely get better on their own, and they’re usually simpler to fix when they’re caught early. Whatever happened, we’re ready to help you feel better.
Bloomfield Dental · 4130 Bloomfield Ave, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 · Follow us on Instagram @bloomfield_dental.