Emergency Dentistry

Our office provides same-day emergency visits, so we can see you as soon as possible, on the day you call. Dr. Skelton is always willing to make time in the schedule for emergency patients and will take as long as necessary to determine the source of your pain, present their findings, and offer a choice of treatment options.

Toothaches are often considered the worst physical pain, and our doctors are here to relieve your discomfort quickly. Dental pain occurs because each tooth has a nerve, which sends pain signals to the brain. The nerves, blood vessels, and tissues inside your teeth are vital for their function and health. Treating cavities, fractures, or infections early prevents more severe pain and higher costs later. Waiting only complicates treatment since teeth cannot heal on their own.

A broken tooth can cause two types of pain. If the fracture or crack extends into the tooth’s nerve, the pain can become intense as bacteria enter. In some cases, the pain comes from the sharp edges of the broken tooth irritating your tongue or cheek. Healthy teeth are strong and don’t break easily, so if your tooth becomes damaged, it may indicate a more serious issue, like eroded enamel or a failing filling, that requires immediate attention.

Dental or facial swelling could signal a serious condition. If you're experiencing swelling along with pain, contact our office immediately for an evaluation. Swelling typically occurs when there's an infection, and if left untreated, the infection can spread to other tissues. You may also notice bad breath, discoloration, or pus on the soft tissues. Due to the complex anatomy of the head and neck, infections in this area can be especially dangerous for both oral and overall health.

Jaw pain is a common issue, often caused by problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Since many nerves surround the jaw, pain can radiate to the jaw, ears, mouth, head, neck, or shoulders. TMJ pain can also lead to headaches, migraines, tingling in the extremities, and even lower back pain. Other symptoms may include a locked jaw, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or popping and clicking when moving the jaw.

If you experience any of these symptoms, our dentist can provide treatments to relieve your pain. Your appointment will include a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, with treatment options such as physical therapy, bite adjustments, or an oral appliance.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that often progresses without noticeable symptoms. It can significantly impact both your oral and overall health if left untreated.

You may have gum disease if:

What starts as mild gingivitis, often with few or no symptoms, can progress to advanced periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads to the teeth, gums, and bone tissue, causing significant damage. Gum disease affects over half of American adults and begins with bacteria at the gum line, which destroys the tissue connecting the gums to the teeth. This leads to the formation of periodontal pockets where bacteria multiply rapidly, ultimately spreading to the roots of the teeth and causing tooth loss.

If you're experiencing unexplained pain in your mouth or surrounding areas, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact source. Sometimes, the discomfort may feel like it's affecting both the top and bottom arches of your mouth. Non-specific pain can be challenging for both patients and dentists, but our experienced team is skilled at identifying the cause. Call us to schedule an oral evaluation, and we'll work together to find the source of your pain and develop a plan to restore your comfort and oral function.

Call us as soon as you notice any symptoms. Delaying a dental visit can worsen your pain over time. During your emergency appointment, we’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation and use various treatment options to relieve your discomfort and restore your oral health.

Relying on emergency visits alone, without regular six-month checkups and cleanings, isn't the best approach for maintaining good oral health. While our dentists are here to help with restorative, prosthetic, and full-mouth treatments, we always recommend preventive care to avoid future issues.