Don’t Let a Dental Emergency Ruin the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and festive meals – but a sudden dental emergency can quickly put a damper on the celebrations. At Manning Family Dentistry, we know that toothaches, broken teeth, or other dental issues don’t always happen at convenient times. We make it a priority to see emergency patients as soon as possible, so you don’t have to suffer through holiday gatherings in pain.

Common Holiday Dental Emergencies

Between traveling, busy schedules, and plenty of sweet treats, the holiday season can increase the risk of dental problems. Some of the most common emergencies we see include:

  • Severe toothaches from decay or infection
  • Broken or cracked teeth from biting down on hard foods, nuts, or holiday candies
  • Lost fillings or crowns, often while eating sticky treats
  • Knocked-out teeth, especially during sports or outdoor activities with family
  • Abscesses or swelling, which signal infection and require immediate attention

These situations can be painful and stressful, but quick action and professional care can make all the difference.

How Manning Family Dentistry Can Help

Our team is here to provide fast, compassionate care when you need it most. Depending on your situation, your dentist may recommend:

  • Fillings to repair cavities or replace lost restorations
  • Crowns to restore broken or damaged teeth
  • Tooth removal if a tooth cannot be saved due to severe damage or infection

We work quickly to relieve pain, restore function, and get you back to enjoying the holiday season.

What to Do Until You See the Dentist

While it’s always best to call us right away, there are steps you can take at home to manage pain and protect your teeth until you arrive:

  • Toothache – Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
  • Broken or chipped tooth – Save any broken pieces if possible, rinse your mouth gently, and cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks.
  • Lost filling or crown – Clean the area and, if you can, place the crown back on the tooth temporarily with dental cement from a pharmacy. Avoid chewing on that side until we can secure it properly.
  • Knocked-out tooth – Time is of the essence here. Your dentist may be able to successfully reinsert the tooth – but if you can’t be seen within 30 minutes or so, the odds aren’t good. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it, and if possible, place it back into the socket. If not, keep it moist in milk or saliva until you reach our office.
  • Abscess or swelling – Rinse with warm salt water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Do not try to drain the abscess yourself. Seek care immediately, as infections can spread quickly. If you’re unable to see the dentist and have a fever, you may want to visit a doctor who can prescribe antibiotics. 

At Manning Family Dentistry, we don’t want a dental emergency to keep you from enjoying the holidays. If something unexpected happens, know that we’ll make every effort to see you right away and get you out of pain.

Call us right away at 704-368-4507 if you have a dental emergency in Mint Hill, NC. Let us help you get back to celebrating the season with comfort and peace of mind.