We work in our patients. We do our best to get them in as soon as possible and take care of that. As far as my patients, we have very few emergencies. Most of the dental emergencies we have are generally a new patient. And we try and get them in, see what’s the problem. If they have an infection, you know, antibiotics and treatment for the infection and along those lines. So we do see patients and do our best to get them in as soon as possible and to alleviate the problems.
We’re not a mill. I don’t rake patients through. So I keep extra time in the schedule where I can see somebody. And if you call us first thing in the morning, normally if you wait until 4:00, that makes it a little more difficult. But if you’ll get ahold of us first thing or by lunch, we try and work people in in the afternoon.
What Should You Do When A Dental Emergency Strikes
Act quickly and call our office right away. A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache, a broken tooth, swelling, or a dental injury, getting care quickly can make all the difference in saving your smile.
Our team in Paducah is ready to help relieve your discomfort, protect your smile, and get you back to feeling like yourself as soon as possible. Dr. William E. Hay has over 35 years of experience helping patients through unexpected dental emergencies with calm, experienced care.
How Can You Reach Us During a Dental Emergency?
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait to see if the problem improves on its own.
During Business Hours
Call our office immediately at 270-554-0121. We reserve time in our schedule for dental emergencies whenever possible and will do everything we can to see you the same day.
After Hours
Existing patients may be able to receive after-hours or weekend emergency care when appropriate. Call our office and follow the instructions provided so we can help you as quickly as possible.
If your emergency involves heavy bleeding, significant facial trauma, or difficulty breathing, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately.
What Dental Emergencies Can We Help With?
We treat many urgent dental problems, including:
- Severe or persistent toothaches
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lost crowns or fillings
- Dental infections or abscesses
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Broken dental restorations
- Teeth that cannot be comfortably used for chewing
When you arrive, we’ll examine your smile using digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to quickly identify the cause of the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
What Should You Do Before You Arrive?
Taking the right steps before your appointment can help protect your smile.
For a knocked-out tooth
- Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root.
- Gently rinse it if it’s dirty.
- Place it back into the socket if possible, or keep it in milk until you reach our office.
For a broken tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Save any broken pieces if you can.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
For a toothache
- Rinse with warm salt water.
- Gently floss around the tooth to remove trapped food.
- Avoid placing aspirin directly against your gums.
For swelling
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your face.
- Contact us as soon as possible, as swelling may indicate an infection that requires prompt treatment.
How Do We Help Keep You Comfortable?
Dental emergencies are often stressful, especially when you’re in pain.
Our goal is to make your visit as comfortable as possible while treating the source of the problem. We use modern technology, including digital imaging, intraoral cameras, CEREC same-day restorations, and laser dentistry when appropriate, to make treatment more efficient and comfortable.
We’ll explain what’s happening, answer your questions, and help you understand your options before moving forward.
Get Relief Before the Problem Gets Worse
Ignoring a dental emergency can allow small problems to become much more serious and expensive to treat. If you’re in pain or something doesn’t feel right, we’re here to help.
Call Us Now 270-554-0121 to speak with our Paducah team and schedule your emergency appointment with Smiles by Hay. Whenever possible, we’ll make every effort to see you the same day.
We make every effort to provide same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. Call us as soon as your emergency happens so we can find the earliest available time.
Severe tooth pain, swelling, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, dental infections, uncontrolled bleeding, and lost restorations are all common dental emergencies. If you’re unsure, give us a call and we’ll help determine how quickly you should be seen.
Handle the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it if necessary, and keep it moist in milk or saliva while you contact our office immediately. Acting quickly gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
Not necessarily. Our first goal is always to save your natural tooth whenever possible. If an extraction is the healthiest option, we’ll explain why and discuss replacement options with you.
We welcome patients without insurance. Our Membership Plan can help reduce the cost of emergency exams and preventive care, and our team will discuss your options before treatment begins.