Same-Day Care When a Toothache or Dental Injury Can't Wait
A throbbing tooth at 2 p.m. or a chipped front tooth after a fall is stressful, and the hardest part is often not knowing what to do next. At Nash Family Dentistry, we make room in the schedule for patients in pain, because dental emergencies rarely get better by waiting.
Call us now at (601) 634-1812. Tell the front desk what happened, and we will tell you what to do while you’re on your way. If you can’t reach us, the steps below will help you protect your tooth until you’re seen.
Meet Dr. Kenneth Nash
Dr. Kenneth Nash is a graduate of Tulane University and the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, where he received his DDS degree in 1980. With nearly forty years of experience, he practices the full scope of general, cosmetic, and laser dentistry.
He and his son, Dr. Jonathan Nash, are a father-son team of general dentists offering family-friendly and comprehensive care. Schedule your next dental appointment with our dentist in Vicksburg, MS.
What Counts As A Dental Emergency?
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether their situation truly qualifies as a dental emergency. The honest answer is that if you are in significant pain, have experienced physical trauma to your mouth, or notice something that looks or feels seriously wrong, you should call Dr. Nash’s office right away. It is far better to check in and find out the issue is minor than to wait and allow a real problem to get worse.
That said, certain situations clearly require urgent dental care. Here is what typically counts as a dental emergency:
- A Knocked-Out Tooth: Tooth avulsion, the clinical term for a completely dislodged tooth, is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies there is. If a tooth is knocked out due to trauma or an accident, there is a narrow window, usually 30 to 60 minutes, during which a dentist may be able to successfully reimplant it. Keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or holding it between your cheek and gum, and contact Nash Family Dentistry immediately.
- A Cracked or Fractured Tooth: A cracked tooth may cause sharp, shooting pain when you bite down, or it may be nearly painless at first. Either way, a fracture that reaches below the gumline or extends to the pulp of the tooth requires prompt evaluation. Without treatment, bacteria can enter the crack and lead to infection.
- Severe Toothache: Persistent, throbbing tooth pain is your body’s signal that something is wrong. It may indicate deep decay, an abscess, or a dying nerve. Over-the-counter pain relievers might offer temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying cause. Dr. Nash can assess the source of the pain and provide appropriate treatment to resolve it.
- Dental Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of infection that forms at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. Symptoms include intense, pulsating pain, swelling of the face or jaw, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. A dental abscess is a serious condition that can spread to the jaw, neck, or even the brain if left untreated. This is an emergency that requires same-day care.
- Lost or Broken Crown or Filling: When a crown falls off or a filling breaks, the exposed tooth structure becomes vulnerable to bacteria, temperature sensitivity, and further damage. While it may not cause immediate pain, a lost restoration should be addressed quickly to protect the tooth beneath it.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Lacerations, tears, or puncture wounds to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums can bleed significantly and may require professional attention. If bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure after 15 to 20 minutes, head to Nash Family Dentistry or an emergency room.
- Object Lodged Between Teeth: If something is stuck between your teeth and won’t come out with gentle flossing, don’t try to force it out with sharp objects. Dr. Nash can safely remove the obstruction without causing damage to the surrounding gum tissue or enamel.
If you are ever unsure whether your situation qualifies as a dental emergency, the safest move is to call Nash Family Dentistry at (601) 738-9313. The team will ask a few quick questions and help you determine the right course of action.
What To Do During A Dental Emergency
Call first. We can give you advice specific to your situation and prepare for your arrival.
Knocked-out permanent tooth:
- Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), never the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or clean water. Don’t scrub it or remove attached tissue.
- If you can, gently place it back in the socket and bite down softly on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If you can’t reinsert it, keep it in a small container of milk or between your cheek and gum if the patient is old enough not to swallow it. Don’t store it in plain water.
- Come in right away. Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth.
Cracked or broken tooth: Rinse with warm water, apply a cold compress to the cheek if there’s swelling, avoid chewing on that side, and save any pieces to bring with you.
Severe toothache: Rinse with warm salt water, gently floss to clear any trapped food, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label. Never place aspirin directly on the gum, because it can burn the tissue.
Suspected abscess: Don’t try to pop or drain it. Rinse with mild salt water, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek, and call us immediately.
Lost crown or filling: If you have the crown, you can temporarily hold it in place with over-the-counter dental cement from a pharmacy. Don’t use super glue. Bring the crown with you.
Cut lip, tongue, or cheek: Rinse gently with salt water and apply firm, steady pressure with clean gauze for 15 to 20 minutes.
When to go to the emergency room instead
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you have:
- Swelling that spreads to your eye, throat, or neck
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- A fever with facial swelling
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 15 to 20 minutes of firm pressure
- A serious head or jaw injury
We are happy to see you for the dental problem once you are stable.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Visit at Nash Family Dentistry
Our first goal is to relieve your pain. We’ll ask what happened, examine the area, and take X-rays when needed to see what’s going on beneath the surface. Before any treatment, Dr. Nash or Dr. Jonathan Nash will explain what they found and your options in plain language, including the cost, so you can decide with confidence.
Depending on the problem, treatment may include repairing or bonding a chipped tooth, placing a filling or crown, starting root canal therapy, treating an infection, or reimplanting or stabilizing a knocked-out tooth. If a tooth can’t be saved, we’ll talk through replacement options, including dental implants, when you’re ready.
Please bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any broken tooth pieces or crowns.
Insurance and payment: Coverage for emergency care varies by plan, and our team will help you understand your benefits before treatment. We also offer payment options; see our Patient Center for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I be seen if I have a dental emergency in Vicksburg?
Nash Family Dentistry makes every effort to see emergency patients on the same day they call. Dr. Nash and his team understand that dental pain and trauma cannot wait, and they work hard to accommodate urgent situations as quickly as possible. Call the office as soon as an emergency occurs so the team can make arrangements to see you promptly.
What if my dental emergency happens after office hours?
Check Nash Family Dentistry’s voicemail or website for after-hours emergency contact information. In the case of a life-threatening situation, such as severe swelling that is closing the airway or uncontrolled bleeding, go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Will my dental insurance cover emergency dental treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Most dental insurance policies do cover a portion of emergency dental care, though the exact benefits depend on your specific plan. The team at Nash Family Dentistry can help you understand your benefits and will work with you on payment options so that cost does not become a barrier to getting the care you need.
Can a dental emergency be prevented?
Many dental emergencies can be reduced in likelihood with consistent preventive care. Regular checkups with Dr. Nash allow him to identify and address potential problems before they become crises. Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports, avoiding chewing hard objects like ice or pen caps, and keeping up with routine cleanings and exams are all practical steps that protect your teeth.
Is a toothache always a dental emergency?
Not every toothache requires an emergency same-day visit, but any tooth pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste should be treated as urgent. Even mild, recurring discomfort is worth a prompt call to Dr. Nash’s office, as it may signal an underlying issue that is easier to treat early.
What should I bring to an emergency dental appointment?
Bring your dental insurance card if you have one, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and any broken tooth fragments or restorations if applicable. Let the front desk know the nature of your emergency when you call so the team can prepare appropriately before you arrive.
Does Dr. Nash treat children during dental emergencies?
Yes. Nash Family Dentistry welcomes patients of all ages, including children who experience dental trauma or other urgent situations. Dr. Nash takes a gentle, reassuring approach with young patients to help keep them calm during what can be a scary experience.
Same-Day Emergency Dentist in Vicksburg: Relief Starts With One Call
When a tooth starts throbbing, or an accident leaves you with a broken smile, it’s frightening. You shouldn’t have to face it alone. For over 40 years, Dr. Kenneth Nash has cared for families in Vicksburg, MS, and today he and his son, Dr. Jonathan Nash, make room in our schedule for neighbors in pain. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your options in plain language, and offer gentle comfort choices like nitrous oxide and oral sedation so you can relax.
Whether you live in Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Edwards, or Tallulah, you deserve a dentist who treats you like family, not a number. Please don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Call Nash Family Dentistry at (601) 634-1812 if you are a current patient, or (601) 738-9313 if you are new to our practice; let us help you feel like yourself again.
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