When a tooth suddenly breaks or begins to throb, worry tends to show up before anything else. You want to know what to do next, and you want a calm voice to guide you through it.
At River Valley Dental, we are ready for that call. Dr. Mark Bydalek and Dr. Andrew Tang guide patients through urgent situations as part of the full range of dental care we offer under one roof.
If you are hurting right now, reach out to our office. We make room for patients who need us and work to see you as soon as we can.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental problem has to be handled within the hour, but significant pain, swelling, bleeding, or a loose tooth should not wait. These are the situations we see most often.
- A severe toothache that will not ease up
- A cracked or broken tooth, especially one with sharp edges or sensitivity to temperature
- A tooth that has been knocked out or pushed out of position
- A lost crown or filling that leaves a tooth exposed and sore
- A dental abscess, which is an infection that can spread
- An injury to the gums, lips, or tongue
Time matters in each of these cases, and acting early may help protect more of your natural tooth. The National Center for Health Statistics has studied emergency department visits for tooth disorders, and its report notes oral disease can cause pain and infection leading to unplanned emergency care.
What to Do Before You Call Us
The minutes before your visit matter, and a calm response can help. Here is what we suggest for the most common situations.
For a Knocked-Out Tooth
Handle the tooth by the crown instead of the root, and rinse it gently without scrubbing. If you can, place it back in the socket, or keep it moist in a little milk until you reach us.
For a Cracked Tooth or Lost Filling
Rinse your mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress on your cheek if there is swelling. Pharmacy dental cement may serve as a temporary seal until we see you, and our restorative dentistry care may be able to repair the damage.
For a Toothache or Swelling
Over-the-counter pain relief may take the edge off, but please do not place aspirin directly on the gum because it can damage the tissue. Facial swelling, trouble swallowing, or a fever alongside dental pain is urgent, so call us right away or seek emergency medical care.
Dental pain doesn't keep office hours. Call us. We keep room for patients who need us, and we'll get you in as soon as we can. You don't have to sit with it.
Why the Emergency Room May Not Be the Answer
An emergency room can help with pain and infection, but it is not set up to repair a tooth. You may wait for hours and still leave needing dental treatment.
Coming to a dental office means a doctor can look at the cause of the problem. Our 3D scan technology helps us see what is happening beneath the surface, and same-day CEREC crowns may allow us to restore a damaged tooth in a single visit.
Urgent Care in a Calm, Welcoming Setting
When you call, we ask a few questions to understand what is happening and help you stay comfortable until you arrive. Once you are here, we take time to look at the whole picture, not only the problem that brought you in.
We know emergencies can feel frightening, so our doctors explain each step before we take it. Small-town warmth and big-city technology come together here to keep your visit calm.
What Happens After Your Emergency Visit
Emergency care focuses first on easing pain and stabilizing the tooth. Follow-up visits may be needed to finish the repair, such as a permanent crown or cosmetic dentistry options like bonding for a chipped tooth.
When an injury leaves a gap, we can talk through replacement options, including dental implants. You can plan your next steps with a clear picture of what each choice involves.
Insurance and Payment Options
Unexpected visits can bring unexpected costs, and we want the financial side to feel clear. Here is how we help.
Using Your Insurance Benefits
We accept most PPO insurance benefits and do not participate with DMO plans. Our team helps you make the most of your benefits, and every recommendation is based on your oral health goals, which you can read more about on our insurance information page.
If you have limited or no insurance benefits, our in-house membership plan may be an option worth exploring.
Financing Options
We offer Cherry and CareCredit financing, and HSA and FSA funds may also be used. Our financing page walks through the details.
Emergency Care at River Valley Dental in Sergeantsville, NJ
River Valley Dental is a dental home for families across Hunterdon County, where continuity of care and familiar faces matter. We take pride in knowing our patients and treating every urgent visit with the same care we bring to a routine one.
Dr. Bydalek brings a background rooted in art and cosmetic design, and Dr. Tang believes technology can make quality care more comfortable and more accessible. Together, they lead a team that puts people first and dentistry second.
When something goes wrong, you do not have to face it alone. Reach out through our contact form and we will help you take the next step.