
Emergency Dentistin Chattanooga, TN
When sudden tooth pain, swelling, or dental trauma happens, you need fast, reliable care from an emergency dentist in Chattanooga. Emergency dental visits are designed to relieve pain quickly, diagnose the issue, and prevent further damage to your teeth or gums. Common emergencies include severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, infections, and lost fillings or crowns that require prompt treatment. At MDRN MUSE, our team provides same-day, compassionate emergency care so you can get out of pain and back to feeling like yourself as quickly as possible.

What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any oral health issue that causes severe pain, bleeding, infection, or damage to a tooth and requires immediate attention to prevent the problem from worsening. Acting quickly can often save a tooth, stop an infection from spreading, and relieve discomfort fast. If you’re unsure whether your situation is urgent, it’s always safest to contact an emergency dentist for guidance.
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
- Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Dental abscess or facial swelling
- Lost or loose crown, filling, or bridge
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Injury to gums, lips, or tongue
- Sudden sensitivity with pain when biting
- Broken dentures or dental appliances
- Post-procedure complications or severe discomfort
The Benefits of an Emergency Exam
Fast Relief From Pain
Emergency appointments focus on diagnosing the problem quickly and getting you out of discomfort as soon as possible, whether that means treating an infection, repairing a tooth, or stabilizing an injury.
Prevents Bigger (More Expensive) Problems
Addressing dental issues early can stop infections from spreading, prevent further tooth damage, and reduce the likelihood of needing more complex treatment later.
Protects Your Natural Smile
Quick care can often save a cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth and help preserve your natural teeth, function, and appearance whenever possible.
The Emergency Visit Process
Quick Check-In
We’ll ask what happened, where it hurts, how long it’s been going on, and what makes it better or worse. This helps us narrow down the cause fast and prioritize pain relief.
Focused exam and X-Rays
Your dentist will examine the problem tooth and surrounding gums, then take digital X-rays if needed. This lets us confirm what’s happening below the surface, like decay, infection, a crack, or trauma.
Diagnosis and same-day relief
Once we know the cause, we’ll explain it in plain language and recommend the best next step. When possible, we’ll provide immediate treatment to get you out of pain (like stabilizing a tooth, addressing infection, or repairing damage).
Create a clear plan
Before you leave, we’ll map out what comes next and what you can expect, including timing and options. You’ll also get aftercare instructions so you feel confident managing symptoms at home until everything is fully resolved.
Have questions?
We've got answers!
Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and inflammation. You can take over-the-counter pain relief as directed and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to minimize swelling. Avoid chewing on the painful side and stay away from very hot, cold, or sugary foods. Most importantly, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible so the root cause can be treated, not just masked.
Common signs of a tooth infection include throbbing pain, swelling in the gums or face, sensitivity to pressure, and a bad taste in your mouth. Some patients notice a pimple-like bump on the gums, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. Tooth infections can spread if untreated, so prompt care is important. If you have swelling or severe pain, it’s best to seek emergency dental treatment right away.
Sudden tooth pain can be caused by a cracked tooth, cavity, infection, gum inflammation, or even teeth grinding. Sometimes pain appears quickly when the inner nerve of a tooth becomes irritated or exposed. Sensitivity to temperature or pressure often points to underlying damage that needs evaluation. A dental exam and X-rays can quickly identify the source and help prevent the problem from worsening.
Yes, in many cases a tooth extraction can be performed the same day as your emergency visit. Once the area is evaluated and numb, removing a severely damaged or infected tooth can provide fast relief and prevent further complications. If swelling or infection is present, treatment may begin immediately or be staged for the safest outcome. Your dentist will explain the best option for your situation and comfort.
The 3-3-3 rule is a short-term strategy sometimes used to temporarily reduce severe dental pain and inflammation while waiting to see a dentist. It typically involves taking three 200 mg ibuprofen tablets (600 mg total) every three hours for up to three days, if medically appropriate for you. This approach is only meant to help manage discomfort and is not a cure for the underlying problem. A dental exam is still necessary to diagnose and treat the cause of the toothache safely and effectively.
Still have questions?
Let's talk about it! Give us a call to speak with our team.
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In-Network with Delta Dental, Cigna, & MetLife
We're excited to share that we have increased access to care even more by joining these networks! Take advantage of your benefits and schedule your visit today.
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