We know dental emergencies happen when least expected. If you have a dental emergency in White Bear Lake, MN, contact our dental office for help.

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Emergency Dentist White Bear Lake MN

Do you have a dental emergency in White Bear Lake, MN?

While dental emergencies are often an unfortunate fact of life, we don't think they should completely derail you.

At White Bear Smiles, we recognize that dental emergencies happen and that they can be frightening. That's why we make room in our schedule to make sure that if you have an emergency, you can be seen and treated promptly. Although we can't guarantee same-day emergency treatment, we can usually provide same-day dental treatment so you can get back to enjoying your life and doing the things you love as soon as possible.

If you have a toothache or other urgent oral health issue, your dentist in White Bear Lake wants to see you as soon as possible. Contact a member of our team to schedule an exam.

Additionally, check out the frequently asked questions below to learn more about dental emergencies and our approach to treatment.

Am I having a dental emergency?
Is a root canal treatment a dental emergency?
What if I knock out a tooth?
What happens during my emergency dental appointment?

Am I having a dental emergency?

Young man with dental pain needing an emergency dentist in white bear lake mn Are you in pain? If so, then that's an emergency. Pain is usually one of the first indicators that something is wrong, and it's a message from your body that you shouldn't ignore. In fact, waiting it out can mean more extensive treatment later on, and it can even cost you your smile.

Pain could be the result of obvious trauma, like a broken tooth, or it could be a sign that you have developed an infection that requires immediate attention. Pain may also indicate that you have a cavity or gum disease.

It is, of course, possible to have an emergency and not be in pain. If damage to the tooth has resulted in a dead nerve, then you might not be hurting. Infections can also destroy the nerve, and the pain may stop. Unfortunately, this can lead patients to think that the problem is gone – until the infection moves on to the next tooth.

The bottom line? If you are dealing with any of these issues, please call our dental office right away:

Sudden tooth or jaw pain
Throbbing or extreme sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure
A "pimple" on your gum
A broken, cracked, or fractured tooth
A tooth knocked loose or completely out of its socket
A lost filling, crown, or other restoration
Food or other debris lodged in the gum tissue that can't be removed by brushing or flossing
Injury to the soft tissues of the mouth

If you are experiencing an unusual symptom, call us. We'll ask the right questions to determine whether or not you are having an emergency.

Please note – we are not equipped to handle medical emergencies. If you have fractured a bone, are experiencing bleeding that won't stop, or have lost consciousness, please go to the emergency room first.

Is a root canal treatment a dental emergency?

If you have suffered trauma to your tooth—past or present—you may require root canal therapy. If you have a root infection, root canal treatment is the best treatment and saves the tooth from extraction.

A root infection can be painful, but sometimes your dentist finds the infection during a routine exam before the pain shows up. In some cases, if the nerve is dead, you will never experience pain. However, the root infection itself is a dental emergency no matter the pain level because the infection can spread, cost you the tooth, surrounding teeth, and even compromise your overall wellness.

If you do have symptoms, you may notice a blister on the gum, toothache, and swelling.

Our emergency dentists in White Bear Lake are gentle and provide comfortable dentistry for patients of all ages. If you need a root canal, it is a very straightforward procedure that does not take very long.

We numb the area, gently extract the troublesome root and surrounding pulp from the tooth, and close with a healing agent and temporary filling. Later, we provide a permanent filling or a dental crown. A crown is a protective jacket that goes over the tooth, specifically if weakened by trauma or infection. It is customized to match your surrounding teeth.

Don't Delay Emergency Dentistry!

Prompt emergency dental care provides several essential benefits for your smile and dental health. Quick care can even save a tooth at risk. Below, your dentist shares a few reasons to seek emergency dental care in White Bear Lake.

Pain Relief

Emergency dental care helps alleviate your pain so you can get back to living your life. Remember, pain indicates something is wrong and should be addressed!

Tooth Protection

Prompt emergency dental care can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Our emergency dentist can assess your situation and provide options.

Prevents Damage

Taking care of a compromised tooth protects your other teeth from further damage. It's true! Oral infections can spread to neighboring teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of mouthguards do you offer?

At White Bear Smiles, we aim to help your child discover their best and healthiest smile. One way we protect growing grins is by providing sports mouthguards and nightguards. If you or your child play sports, we recommend a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth, jaws, and mouth from injuries. A nightguard can also help if you grind or clench their teeth during sleep.

How to Care for Your Mouthguard

Rinse your mouth guard immediately after wearing it to remove bacteria and plaque.
Brush your nightguard with a soft toothbrush and mild antibacterial soap.
Deep clean your mouthguard weekly using over-the-counter denture cleaner and water and let it soak in the solution for 30 minutes.
Place your mouthguard on a sterilized surface to air dry before storing it in its case.
Store your mouthguard in its case when you’re not using it, as this prevents damage.
Clean the mouthguard case every few days using water and dish soap.

Mouthguards in White Bear Lake

Do you or your child play sports or need a nightguard to protect your teeth during sleep? Please contact White Bear Smiles today to learn more about our custom mouthguards and how we can help your family's smiles safe.

What should I know following a tooth extraction?

Bleeding - After a tooth extraction in White Bear Lake, a moist gauze pack is placed over the extraction site to prevent excessive bleeding and to promote the healing blood clot. Keep pressure on it for 30 minutes and replace if bleeding continues. Slight bleeding may occur up to 2 days. Avoid activities that could apply a suction action to the blood clot such as smoking or sucking through a straw.
Rinsing - Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow you can rinse your mouth gently with a glass of warm water mixed with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You can do this 3-4 times a day, especially after meals.
Swelling - Following an extraction, some swelling and skin bruising may occur. A cold moist cloth or an ice bag applied to the cheek will keep it to a minimum. Place on the affected area for about 15-20 minutes of every hour for the next 6 hours.
Medications - If non-aspirin pain medication doesn't relieve the discomfort you may experience a stronger medication can be prescribed. Be sure to use all medication as directed.
Food - A soft diet with plenty of fluids is recommended the first day. Avoid carbonated or hot beverages. Chewing should be done away from the extraction site.
Oral Hygiene - Continue brushing and flossing being extra gentle near the extraction site.
Chips - During healing you may notice small bony fragments working their way through the gums. We can easily remove them if they are too annoying.
If any unusual symptoms occur, please call our office.

What steps should I take if I have severe swelling in my mouth or jaw?

Severe swelling in your mouth or jaw is more than just discomfort. In many cases, it can be a sign of a serious infection that needs immediate attention. If you notice sudden swelling, especially if it’s accompanied by severe pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing, you should consider it a dental emergency. Prompt treatment may involve antibiotics, draining an abscess, or other procedures to remove the source of infection.

Swelling often indicates that an infection is spreading. The sooner you are seen, the better your chances of avoiding more complex treatment or hospitalization. So, the first step is to search for “a same-day emergency dentist near me” right away. Acting quickly is key to protecting both your oral and overall health.

Home Care Until You Can See an Emergency Dentist

While waiting for your appointment, you can manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help reduce swelling. Whatever you do, don’t try to drain the swelling yourself, and avoid applying heat, as this can make an infection worse. Drinking plenty of water and keeping your head elevated while resting can help until you see a professional.

A Top-Quality Team for Your Next Dental Cleaning in White Bear Lake

If you’re experiencing sudden swelling or signs of a dental infection in White Bear Leake, MN, don’t wait! Contact Dr. Ellen Swift and the skilled and caring White Bear Smiles team today to for immediate pain relief and to safeguard your long-term oral health.

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

Yes, in most cases, you’ll need a dental crown after a root canal in White Bear Lake, MN. The crown restores your tooth’s function and protects it from future damage. Sometimes, if the infection was minor and the tooth has not been compromised, your dentist may use a tooth-colored filling instead.

Preventing Root Canal Infections

Prevention is vital to oral health because it helps prevent issues that cause pain or cost you time and money in the dental chair.

To lower your risks for cavities, infections, and gum disease, consider the following:

Brush your teeth after or at least twice daily.
Floss your teeth after meals or at least once daily.
Visit your dentist twice-yearly for checkups and teeth cleanings.
Wear a mouthguard if you play sports and a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
Report all oral changes to your dentist in White Bear Lake, MN.

Have a Toothache? Contact Your Emergency Dentist as Soon as Possible

If you have signs of a root canal infection—a swollen jaw, toothache, blister on the gum, or tooth discoloration—contact our dental team immediately to book an appointment with the dentist.

We provide gentle root canal treatments in our dental office and are committed to your comfort and continuing oral health.

How can you manage pain while waiting for an emergency root canal appointment?

Managing pain while waiting for an emergency root canal appointment can be challenging. Fortunately, we have several strategies to help guide us through these tense and painful moments. First, over-the-counter pain relievers, taken in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Also, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area — for 15-20 minutes at a time, repeating as necessary — can help reduce swelling and minimize pain until you can get emergency care. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water is another technique for cleansing the affected area and providing temporary pain relief.

Additionally, as extreme temperatures and textures can exacerbate tooth pain, avoiding hard foods and extremely hot or cold foods and drinks can help manage dental pain until a root canal can be performed. If you need to eat between the onset of discomfort and your root canal, stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth to prevent further aggravation.

If the pain becomes unbearable, contact your dentist to see if they can prescribe a stronger pain reliever or schedule an emergency appointment to address the issue. After all, these techniques, while effective, are only intended to manage pain until you get professional care.

A Caring and Experienced Emergency Dentist in Bear Lake, MN

If you need a dentist in Bear Lake, MN, to help relieve your dental pain and preserve the structure of your damaged tooth with an emergency root canal, contact Dr. Ellen Swift, DDS, and the White Bear Smiles team for prompt, effective, and empathetic care!

What if I knock out a tooth?

emergency tooth illustration | White Bear Lake MN Dentist

In the case of a dental emergency, you have a better than 80 percent chance of saving your tooth if you can get to your dentist with the tooth within a half hour. Here are some things to remember: Rinse the tooth off with warm water. But don't scrub the tooth. You might scrub off fibers on the root that are important to re-planting the tooth in its socket. Keep the tooth moist by wrapping it in either gauze (one reason why it's good to have gauze in the house) or tissue dampened in warm water. If you can easily replace the tooth into the socket, do that.

Some experts recommend putting the tooth under your tongue during the ride to the dentist. That's fine, too. Just don't swallow the tooth. Your pharmacy may also carry one of the liquid media that are available for just such an emergency. You won't have time for a trip to the pharmacy, however, so you might consider keeping one of these liquid media on hand.

If you knock out a tooth, make sure to call White Bear Smiles right away. We can get you in quickly to help stabilize the problem and reduce any pain you might have. During emergency appointments, we perform solutions like implanting CEREC crowns on the same day and then follow up to care for your dental health continually.

What happens during my emergency dental appointment?

What exactly will an emergency appointment entail? The goal of an emergency appointment is to stabilize the situation and provide the care you need to relieve your pain and restore functionality. This might mean performing a treatment like a root canal or an extraction, or it might mean removing the damaged part of the tooth and capping it with a CEREC crown. Of course, other treatments are possible as well.

The nature of your emergency and your comfort level helps us determine the course of your treatment. In some cases, treatment means a follow-up appointment after utilizing pain relief and tooth-saving measures. However, all treatment comes with a gentle hand, and our compassionate team works to keep you comfortable and at ease.

Once we address the immediate emergency, we can discuss your ongoing care needs. Man at dentist with a dental emergency in white bear lake mn

While you can't always avoid tooth trauma, routine visits can reduce the risk of an infection-based emergency. Regular cleanings and examinations will help keep your teeth strong and allow us to identify problems in their earliest stages so they can be cared for right away. This means you'll be far less likely to wake up in the morning with a painful infection.

If you or your child participates in athletics, we can talk about choosing an appropriate sports guard for your teeth to reduce your risk of injury.

Call Right Away for a Dental Emergency in White Bear Lake

If you are in pain or have experienced another emergency, don't hesitate. Call our dental office right away so that we can get you in and get you taken care of quickly.

Meet Our Doctors:

Ellen Swift DDS

Dr. Ellen Swift was raised in Mahtomedi, MN by her father, Dr. Paul Anderson, and mother, Mary, a dental hygienist. Inspired to pursue a dental career, Dr. Swift earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the ...

Dr. Paul Anderson | White Bear Smiles | White Bear Lake, MN

Paul Anderson DDS

After earning his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Anderson continued at U of MN Dental School, earning his DDS degree and graduating with honors. He then completed a select ...

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A great experience for the whole family

White Bear Smiles has been a great experience for the whole family. When I was a kid, I was terrified of the dentist. I am thrilled that my kids are having a very different experience! The staff has been great at working with my kids (4 and 7 years), and the dentist has been a positive experience for them. they get excited if they do well and are the "Patient of the Day" and they have fun with their prizes. My daughter had to have cavities filled and even that was simple and not traumatic for her!

We also recently had an out-of-town guest who was experiencing tooth pain. White Bear Smiles got him in and immediately took care of it. My husband and I have nothing but positive feedback for the entire family!

- Anna F.

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