How do I deal with a knocked-out tooth?

If your permanent tooth gets knocked out, it’s often possible for a dentist to reimplant it in its socket. There are a few steps you must take to increase your chances of a successful reimplantation treatment. Gently pick up the tooth by its crown and clean it of any debris. Store the tooth in a protective container with water or milk to prevent its root from drying out. Immediately contact our Urbandale office at (515) 276-4981, we’ll schedule your emergency appointment as soon as possible. Bring the container with you so we can attempt to save and reimplant your tooth. In the meantime, you can use a cold compress or over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any pain you may be experiencing.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care | Dentist in Urbandale, IA

Same-Day Emergencies: Welcome to Hickman Family Dental

At Hickman Family Dental, we understand that emergencies can’t always wait until your next appointment. That’s why we offer same-day emergency dental care to patients in Urbandale and the Des Moines area. Dr. Erickson is dedicated to quickly and effectively resolving dental emergencies, no matter the circumstances.

When unexpected dental pain or injury strikes, seconds count. Hickman Family Dental is your immediate lifeline for same-day emergency dental care in Urbandale and the surrounding Des Moines area. Call now at (515) 276-4981 to secure an urgent appointment with Dr. Erickson. Your dental emergency can’t wait—and neither should you.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any kind of oral injury or pain that requires immediate attention from a dental professional. Whether it’s caused by physical trauma or an underlying oral health condition, you shouldn’t wait to seek care if an emergency occurs.

Some common problems that require emergency dental services include:

Severe tooth or jaw pain
Knocked-out teeth
Broken or cracked teeth
Tooth mobility or loosened teeth
Accidents involving the teeth, lips, cheeks, gums, or jaw

We urge all patients experiencing a dental emergency to immediately contact our Urbandale office at (515) 276-4981. Let us know that your case is an emergency and we’ll do our best to make time for you that same day.

What Our Patients Are Saying About Hickman Family Dental

A dental emergency can be a scary time. At Hickman Family Dental, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional dental care that goes beyond just treating teeth. We believe in creating positive, comfortable experiences that make our patients feel valued and cared for. Don’t just take our word for it – hear directly from the people who know us best.

“Had a serious toothache ache so called first thing in the morning. Was told they had 2 openings and I made it in at 8am after not sleeping all night from the pain. All staff is very friendly and everyone said hi when walking by. Wait time was very minimal and was called back just after filling out new paperwork. Got a few x-rays and dr was in soon. Talked over what needed done and once I approved the quote after insurance they got started right away … Definitely recommend to anyone needing any type of dental!” – Brian B.

We invite you to read the stories of patients who have experienced the Hickman Family Dental difference. Have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you!

Do I Need Emergency Care?

It may be difficult to determine whether emergency care is necessary or if treatment can wait for a normal appointment. In many cases, waiting to address an emergency can mean the difference between keeping and losing a tooth.

If you answer yes to any of these questions, contact our Urbandale office right away:

Have you lost a tooth?
Did part of your tooth crack or break off?
Do you have severe and persistent oral pain?
Are your gums swollen or bleeding?
Is your tooth loose?

When to Go to the Emergency Room First

While our dental office is equipped to handle most dental emergencies, there are certain situations where you should seek immediate emergency room care before contacting a dentist:

- Severe Facial Trauma– If you’ve experienced a significant injury to your face or jaw that involves:
  - Possible bone fractures
  - Severe swelling
  - Uncontrolled bleeding
  - Loss of consciousness The emergency room should be your first point of contact to ensure no life-threatening injuries are present.
- Signs of Serious Infection– Go to the ER if you experience:
  - High fever (over 101°F)
  - Significant facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
  - Extreme pain accompanied by rapid swelling
  - Signs of spreading infection, such as swelling extending to the neck or throat

Dental Injuries with Potential Systemic Complications

- Head injuries accompanying dental trauma
- Wounds that require stitches
- Severe cuts to the mouth or face that won’t stop bleeding
Medical Emergencies– If a dental emergency is accompanied by:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe dizziness or disorientation
- Signs of an allergic reaction

If you’ve been treated in the ER for a dental-related issue, contact Hickman Family Dental as soon as possible to follow up on your emergency treatment and schedule any necessary dental procedures

Important Note: While the emergency room can provide critical initial treatment, they are not a substitute for specialized dental care. Always follow up with a dentist like Dr. Erickson to address the underlying dental issue and prevent future complications.

If you’re unsure whether to go to the ER or contact our Urbandale dental office, call us at (515) 276-4981. We can provide guidance on the most appropriate course of action for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your permanent tooth gets knocked out, it’s often possible for a dentist to reimplant it in its socket. There are a few steps you must take to increase your chances of a successful reimplantation treatment.

Gently pick up the tooth by its crown and clean it of any debris.
Store the tooth in a protective container with water or milk to prevent its root from drying out.
Immediately contact your dentist to schedule your emergency appointment as soon as possible. Bring the container with you so they can attempt to save and reimplant your tooth.

In the meantime, you can use a cold compress or over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any pain you may be experiencing.

In the event that you damage your teeth, you should contact our office as soon as possible.

Don’t attempt to fix your tooth or reattach pieces on your own, as this may lead to further complications and damage. Instead, store the pieces in a plastic bag to bring to your emergency visit. Your emergency dentist will do their best to preserve and fix your tooth. You can use cold compresses or over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any pain in the meantime.

If you’re experiencing a toothache, we recommend using over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses to manage the pain. In the event that this pain becomes more severe or persists for more than a day, it may be a sign of an underlying oral health problem.

Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. They’ll be able to determine the cause of your toothache and provide the necessary care to treat it.

Immediate Dental Care for Urbandale, IA

Dental emergencies don’t wait, and neither should you. If you’re experiencing a sudden tooth injury or severe oral pain in the greater Des Moines area—whether you’re in Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, or West Des Moines—Hickman Family Dental is ready to help. Our same-day emergency services ensure you get the immediate, professional care you need when every moment counts.

Don’t risk further damage or prolonged suffering. Call our Urbandale, IA dental office right now at (515) 276-4981) and let our experienced team provide the urgent dental care you deserve.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care in Urbandale, IA