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Emergency Dentistry

Comprehensive Family Dentistry located in Grandview College area, Des Moines, IA

Emergency Dentistry services offered in Grandview College area, Des Moines, IA

Dental emergencies often arise when you least expect them, and knowing where to turn for help can make a challenging situation easier to bear. Scott McPherson, DDS, and the team at Ballpark Heights Family Dental offer caring and compassionate emergency dental services for residents of Des Moines, Iowa, and the surrounding region. Same-day visits are an option, and you can always reach the office online or by phone to schedule a visit.

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is focused on addressing urgent oral health needs. One way to consider whether your dental issue is a dental emergency is to consider whether you can comfortably wait to be seen during a routinely scheduled office visit. 

If the answer is “no,” then emergency dental care is probably the right approach. There is no need to suffer from dental pain or other symptoms when relief is available from a provider you already know and trust. 

What kinds of issues require emergency dentistry?

Dr. McPherson and the Ballpark Heights Family Dental team have the skills and training needed to address several emergency dental needs. Some issues that routinely bring people in for emergency dental care include:

  • Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
  • Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
  • Severe dental pain
  • Signs of infection
  • Abscess
  • Lost crown
  • Object wedged between teeth or lodged in the gum tissue
  • Swelling in the face or jaw
  • Lacerations to the tongue, cheeks, or other soft tissues

If you’re unsure if your need is a good fit for emergency dental care, call Ballpark Heights Family Dental for guidance.  

How should I respond to a dental emergency?

It’s easier said than done, but remaining calm is the best thing you can do after sustaining a dental emergency. This is especially true for parents trying to soothe a child who is in pain or afraid, as children pick up on the anxieties of their parents. 

If you were involved in a sports or traumatic injury, assess your immediate surroundings. Move to a safer area if needed. If you have additional bodily injuries, ensure you don’t need emergency medical assistance. 

If you’ve lost a tooth, try to locate it. Pick it up without touching the root, and give it a gentle rinse to remove any debris before placing it back into the socket. You can also place it between your gums and cheek or in a glass of milk to keep it moist.

Call Ballpark Heights Family Dental to determine your next steps. Same-day visits are available, and keep in mind that less urgent booking needs can be met through online scheduling. 

Our most popular treatments
Ballpark Heights Dental. Our team of skilled clinicians follow a comprehensive approach to ensure that every new and returning patient is given personalized care and quality dental services. We are interested in you not just your teeth and want to ensure each trip to the dentist is as comfortable and stress free as possible. We offer all the treatments that you would expect from a family dentist plus we have a particular interest in the following: