When a sudden dental problem strikes, fast and focused care can make a major difference in both comfort and outcome. Whether the issue is a severe toothache, a cracked tooth from an accident, or sudden swelling, your first priority should be to secure professional attention quickly. At Paparian Dental Associates we emphasize prompt assessment to relieve pain, protect oral structures, and reduce the chance of more extensive treatment later on.
In the first hours after an injury or the onset of severe pain, simple steps at home can help stabilize the situation: gently rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and avoid chewing on the affected side. Over-the-counter pain medication may help until you are evaluated, but these measures are only temporary; a dental exam is needed to identify the underlying cause and an appropriate plan.
When you arrive at the office for emergency care, our team’s priority is to quickly evaluate your condition, address pain and infection risk, and determine whether same-day treatment is possible. We focus on clear communication, so you understand what we find and what immediate steps are recommended to protect your oral health and overall well-being.
Dental emergencies come in many forms, and recognizing the type of problem helps guide urgent care. Some situations are immediately life-impacting, such as severe infection or uncontrolled bleeding, while others—like a chipped tooth—may be urgent primarily because they cause pain or leave the tooth vulnerable to further damage. Our emergency services cover a wide range of issues so patients can get the right care when they need it most.
Typical conditions we handle include sudden, intense tooth pain; teeth that have been cracked or broken; knocked-out (avulsed) teeth; loose or dislodged restorations; and painful swelling or abscesses. Problems related to erupting or impacted wisdom teeth also frequently prompt urgent visits. We treat both sudden trauma and rapidly developing infections with the same priority: relieve pain, control infection, and preserve oral function whenever possible.
Some oral conditions require particularly prompt attention because they can affect general health—these include spreading infections, rapidly increasing facial swelling, and signs of systemic involvement such as fever. If you notice serious swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or other concerning symptoms along with oral pain, seek emergency care immediately so we can intervene to safeguard your health.
Effective emergency care starts with a focused exam and, when needed, diagnostic imaging to identify the cause of pain or injury. Our clinicians use a balanced approach: assessing the immediate problem, evaluating surrounding tissues, and considering medical history to determine safe and effective next steps. This rapid assessment helps prioritize treatment and prevents unnecessary delays.
Pain control is a central goal of initial treatment. Depending on the situation, we may use local anesthesia for immediate relief, provide short-term palliative measures, or recommend medications to control infection and inflammation. We explain benefits and risks clearly so patients understand how each intervention contributes to comfort and healing.
Stabilization is often the first objective—securing a fractured tooth, temporarily reattaching a crown where possible, or draining and managing an abscess to reduce swelling and infection. These measures buy time and create a safer foundation for definitive treatment, which may follow once the immediate crisis is under control.
One of our guiding priorities in emergency dentistry is to preserve natural teeth whenever feasible. Many urgent problems can be resolved with conservative restorative care: repairing chips with bonding materials, placing a new filling for a broken restoration, or fitting a protective crown to rebuild a tooth’s form and function after trauma. These treatments restore chewing ability and appearance while minimizing the need for more invasive procedures.
When an infection has extended into a tooth’s inner tissues, endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) is a common approach to save the tooth and eliminate pain. Root canal therapy removes infected tissue, disinfects the root system, and seals the space to prevent recurrence. Our goal is to provide precise, comfortable care that preserves your natural dentition whenever it is clinically appropriate.
There are cases, however, when a tooth cannot be saved due to extensive structural damage or unresolved infection. If extraction becomes necessary, we focus on gentle techniques and clear guidance about next steps, including timing and options for restoring the missing tooth so you can regain function and confidence.
Losing a tooth following an injury or infection is understandably upsetting, but modern restorative dentistry offers reliable ways to rebuild a healthy, functional smile. After immediate healing, we discuss replacement options that match your oral health needs and long-term goals. The right solution restores chewing function, supports neighboring teeth, and helps maintain facial structure.
Options for replacing missing teeth include conventional bridges, removable partial or full dentures, and dental implants. Each approach has advantages depending on factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of adjacent teeth, bone levels, and personal preferences. Dental implants are often recommended for their stability and natural feel, and they are a strong long-term option for many patients.
Our team helps patients understand the steps involved in each replacement pathway—from the initial evaluation and any preparatory care to the restorative phase—so decisions are informed and practical. We coordinate care carefully to ensure healing, restorative success, and predictable esthetic results.
Whether you are coping with sudden pain, an unexpected injury, or a rapidly progressing oral infection, timely professional care matters. Our emergency treatment approach emphasizes quick evaluation, effective pain relief, and treatment plans designed to preserve your oral health. For more information or to discuss an urgent concern, please contact us for more information.
Pain is your body's way of signaling that something is not quite right and though there are many reasons for oral pain, one of the most common complaints and reasons for seeking urgent dental care is a toothache. Whether you simply need a dental filling, a crown, or require a root canal procedure to save your tooth, we'll alleviate your discomfort and restore the look and function of the involved tooth.
Dental trauma can result in a defect as minor as a small chip in tooth enamel to a more extensive and painful crack or fracture. With sufficient force, a tooth can even be displaced or completely knocked out of its socket. With prompt emergency care, many injured teeth can be restored and saved.
The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall well-being. Our office provides skilled care to address the complications caused by problematic wisdom teeth.
A broken or lost dental prosthesis or restoration can cause embarrassing gaps in your smile as well as compromise your ability to eat and speak with ease. If you've lost or broken a dental filling, denture, crown, or other dental appliance, you can rely on our office to perform a prompt repair or provide a durable and cosmetically pleasing replacement as quickly as possible.
At the office of Paparian Dental Associates, emergency appointments are always available. Of course, in addition to providing top treatment for dental emergencies, we also welcome patients searching for high quality and affordable care. We offer a complete range of the latest and best cosmetic and dental services for every member of your family.
If you are suffering from a toothache or have sustained a dental injury, it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible before more serious complications arise. Whether your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as promptly as possible for care.
At the office of Paparian Dental Associates, we treat your dental emergency as our top priority. Our caring team will respond to your emergency call right away, making sure you get the gentle, state-of-the-art care you need without delay.
As your trusted emergency dentist in Salem, we provide the highest quality of care to mitigate the stress, anxiety, and discomfort of dental problems. Our dedicated team will help you start feeling better as soon as we receive your emergency call.
At the office of Paparian Dental Associates, we provide skilled and experienced care to effectively resolve a broad range of dental emergencies, restoring a patient's oral health while protecting their overall wellbeing.
However, even so, specific dental emergencies pose significant threats to one's health. These situations require immediate, emergency room care. Serious and potentially life-threatening dental emergencies include significant oral and facial trauma such as jaw fractures, deep wounds or lacerations to the face and mouth, an abscess or infection that causes widespread facial or submandibular swelling, or affects breathing and swallowing.
At the office of Paparian Dental Associates, we provide prompt, skilled, and experienced care to address dental emergencies. We understand that finances are always a concern and do our best to provide options in care that are both affordable and respect your budget.
Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any existing dental issues, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required.
To help alleviate any additional stress or delay, you can count on our staff to work with you to optimize coverage for your dental care and to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. For patients without insurance, we strive to make things easier as well! We invite you to visit our financial information page or speak to an expert in our business office.
Dental emergencies are often painful and debilitating experiences. For this reason it's important to have an emergency dentist in Salem, who welcomes patients with urgent dental needs while providing the prompt care required to restore oral health.
Here are just some of the reasons why so many patients choose our office for emergency dental care and to meet their family's dental needs:
We're dedicated to helping patients enjoy good oral health and beautiful smiles. We look forward to helping you keep your smile in tip-top condition. You can rest assured that our highly skilled office team will provide you the highest quality of state-of-the-art dental care and have you smiling again in no time!
To make an appointment or for more information on our office and the many state-of-the-art services we provide, give us a call today.
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove debris and reduce contamination, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to limit swelling. Use clean gauze to apply gentle pressure if there is bleeding, and avoid chewing on the injured side to prevent further damage. Preserve any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to the dentist, as they can sometimes be reattached or used to guide restoration. These measures are temporary and intended to stabilize the situation until you can receive professional care.
If a tooth has been completely knocked out, handle it by the crown (the visible part) and avoid touching the root. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket carefully and hold it in place, or store the tooth in milk, saline, or the patient’s saliva to keep it moist. Seek emergency dental care immediately, since reimplantation is most successful when performed promptly. Contacting the office as soon as possible increases the chance of saving the tooth.
A true dental emergency typically involves uncontrolled bleeding, severe or rapidly increasing swelling, intense pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter medication, or trauma such as a knocked-out tooth. Signs that an infection may be systemic include fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or facial swelling that spreads; these symptoms warrant immediate attention. Less urgent situations include minor chips or a lost filling when pain and swelling are absent, but they still benefit from prompt evaluation. When in doubt, it is better to seek an urgent assessment to rule out conditions that could worsen quickly.
If you experience symptoms that threaten breathing, swallowing, or overall health, go to the nearest emergency department while also notifying your dental provider. For painful but stable issues, call the dental office to arrange an urgent appointment so the cause can be diagnosed and treatment begun. Early assessment helps control pain and reduces the likelihood of more invasive procedures later. Timely action can protect both oral health and general well-being.
When you arrive, the team will perform a focused triage to assess pain level, signs of infection, and any urgent medical concerns, and they will review your medical history to ensure safe care. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays may be used to identify fractures, root involvement, or abscesses so the clinician can form a clear treatment plan. Pain control is prioritized, and clinicians will discuss immediate measures to stabilize the situation and reduce discomfort. The team will explain findings and outline next steps so you understand recommended care and timing.
Immediate treatment often focuses on stabilization, which may include placing a temporary restoration, splinting a loose tooth, or draining an abscess when clinically appropriate. If infection is suspected to be spreading, your provider may recommend antibiotics or coordinate with medical providers to manage systemic risk. When definitive care is required, the clinician will outline options and a follow-up schedule to restore function and appearance. Clear communication and compassionate care are central to the emergency visit experience.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the root to protect vital cells needed for reattachment. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with saline or milk without scrubbing, and if possible reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place until you reach the dentist. If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in milk, saline, or the patient’s saliva to keep it moist; do not store the tooth dry or in tap water for extended periods. Time is critical: reimplantation attempts are most successful when treated quickly.
Once you arrive for emergency care, the dentist will evaluate the socket, check for associated injuries, and determine whether the tooth can be reimplanted and stabilized with a splint. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and to assess whether root canal therapy is needed to preserve the tooth long term. The clinician will also review steps to prevent infection and protect the tooth while it heals. Proper handling and rapid professional treatment give the best chance of saving an avulsed tooth.
Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and help reduce inflammation, and apply a cold compress externally to decrease swelling and numb pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief when taken as directed, and avoiding very hot or cold foods and chewing on the unaffected side can limit additional irritation. Do not place aspirin directly on the gums or teeth, as this can cause tissue damage. These measures are short-term and should not replace a clinical evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cause.
Contact the dental office as soon as possible to describe your symptoms and arrange an urgent appointment; staff can advise whether same-day care is recommended. If you notice fever, spreading facial swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical attention immediately because these signs can indicate a serious infection. Prompt assessment helps control pain and reduces the risk of complications. Definitive treatment will address the source of pain rather than only masking symptoms.
A root canal may be necessary when trauma or decay has damaged the tooth pulp, causing persistent pain, sensitivity, or infection that reaches the inner tissues of the tooth. If diagnostic testing and imaging indicate that the nerve is irreversibly injured or infected, endodontic treatment is the standard approach to remove infected tissue, disinfect the root canal system, and seal it to prevent recurrence. Performing a root canal can often preserve the natural tooth and restore function when conservative measures are insufficient. The decision is based on clinical findings, radiographs, and the tooth’s structural condition.
In the acute setting, initial steps may involve controlling pain and infection with temporary measures or medications while planning definitive endodontic care. If the tooth is restorable and the patient’s overall health permits, root canal therapy is favored over extraction for long-term stability. Your clinician will explain the expected sequence of care, alternatives, and follow-up needed for a successful outcome. Preserving natural dentition is a primary goal whenever it is clinically appropriate.
Treatment for a chipped or fractured tooth depends on the extent and location of the damage; minor enamel chips often can be smoothed and bonded, while larger fractures may require a restoration or crown. Emergency care typically focuses on protecting the exposed tooth structure, reducing sensitivity, and preventing infection, which may involve applying a protective dressing or placing a temporary restoration. If the fracture extends into the pulp, endodontic treatment may be necessary to address pain and infection risk. The clinician will assess aesthetics and function when recommending definitive repair options.
For complex fractures, stabilizing the tooth and arranging prompt follow-up for permanent restoration is common practice to restore chewing ability and appearance. The team will discuss materials and timelines for crowns or other restorative procedures once the immediate issue is stabilized. Careful planning ensures that the chosen approach balances longevity with preserving as much natural tooth as possible. Patients are advised to avoid hard foods and protect the tooth until definitive care is completed.
Signs that an oral infection requires prompt evaluation include rapidly increasing facial swelling, intense throbbing pain, fever, malaise, or red, warm areas that spread across the face or neck. Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing suggests that the infection may be compromising the airway and requires immediate medical attention. Localized abscesses can progress quickly and may need drainage, antibiotics, and definitive dental treatment to remove the source. Early intervention reduces the risk of systemic spread and serious complications.
If you notice these symptoms, seek emergency care right away and inform the dental or medical team about any preexisting medical conditions or medications you take. The provider may drain an abscess, prescribe medication to control infection, and schedule restorative or endodontic treatment once the acute phase is managed. Coordination with your medical provider is sometimes necessary when infections impact overall health. Timely treatment protects both oral and general health.
After healing from an extraction, replacement options include a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable partial or full denture, and the right choice depends on factors such as the number of missing teeth, bone volume, adjacent tooth condition, and personal preferences. Dental implants provide a fixed, long-term solution that preserves bone and feels most like a natural tooth for many patients. Bridges and removable prostheses are well-established alternatives that can restore function and appearance when implants are not feasible or preferred. Your dentist will discuss the advantages and limitations of each option during treatment planning.
Timing for replacement varies: some solutions require a healing period after extraction, while others may involve staged procedures such as bone grafting or preparatory care. A thorough evaluation will determine whether immediate temporary restoration is appropriate and when permanent replacement can proceed. The dental team will outline a clear sequence of care to restore chewing function and smile aesthetics predictably. Decisions are made collaboratively to align with oral health goals and long-term prognosis.
Preventive measures reduce the likelihood of emergencies and include maintaining excellent oral hygiene, attending regular dental checkups, and addressing small problems such as cracks or loose fillings before they worsen. Using a properly fitted mouthguard for sports, avoiding chewing ice or other hard objects, and following guidance on night guards for bruxism can help protect teeth from traumatic damage. Timely restoration of compromised teeth and monitoring of high-risk areas also decrease the chance of sudden failure. Being proactive about oral health is the most effective strategy for preventing urgent problems.
When you notice early warning signs such as new pain, sensitivity, or looseness, scheduling an evaluation promptly often prevents escalation into an emergency. Keep a plan for where to seek urgent dental care and review emergency instructions for preserving avulsed teeth or managing acute bleeding. Education and preparation empower patients to act quickly and appropriately when problems occur. Regular partnership with your dental team helps maintain a resilient, healthy smile.
Our mission is simple: to deliver great oral health and the beautiful smile you deserve. We value your trust and are committed to exceeding your expectations with every solution we provide.
