Dental emergencies happen, and when they do, patients will want a dentist that can help them as soon as possible.
Depending upon the nature of the emergency,
Hi, this is Dr. Stephen Matarazzo, we are here with our friend David and he is going to tell us a little bit of story of why they came to us and what happened. David if you could help us – sure. I think I obviously had some serious issues with my teeth, it was something that had bothered me or quite some time, and years of neglect took its toll. I finally got the confidence to build up a relationship with a dentist and from day 1 Dr. Stephen Matarazzo and I walked a great distance over the last few years. Much more confidence now, and I am just thrilled to death with the outcome of my teeth. Beautiful! I want to show how good it looks. This is before we whitened the teeth – you can see here. Do you feel good about how far we came? Yes. That is how we started together. It is embarrassing – the transformation is amazing. Look at just the bottom teeth and all we did on the bottom was straightening them, and do the cavities with white fillings. Look at how clean and nice those look! They look great! So it has been a pleasure and I wanted to work with you – and it is just amazing. So you feel a difference in your life? Absolutely – much more confidence and I feel I have accomplished better opportunities. Life changing move that we made. Albright – you had the courage and I had the courage to do it. Really! I will never forget the day. You know I was waiting for a buddy outside the diner and it was just something I had been brewing for a while and for whatever reason that was the day. So you were talking to a friend. No I was just talking to myself and I was having some quiet time in the car and that was day 1 to the next chapter. That is like a lot of things – where you have to hit bottom before you start going up. I know with my weight loss and things, I really just had – I knew for years I had to do something and I just had to be alone and think about it and how I wanted the rest of my life to go. So congratulations that took courage. Thank you – ok buddy thank you!
At Dr. Matarazzo’s practice, both new and existing patients are able to enjoy the benefits of emergency dentistry. He prides himself in providing this service to patients in the area, and enjoys having the ability to get patients out of pain and provide comfort as soon as possible. Whether he needs to perform an emergency root canal or address a chipped or cracked tooth, he will always welcome both new and existing patients into his practice for emergency dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
What qualifies as a true dental emergency that needs immediate care?
A dental emergency typically involves pain, swelling, infection, or trauma that cannot safely wait for a routine appointment. This may include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken restorations, or sudden facial swelling. Even if symptoms seem manageable at first, underlying issues can worsen quickly. When in doubt, it’s best to call a dentist right away. Early guidance can help you manage the situation properly and prevent further complications before you are able to receive in-office treatment.
Can I still get help if my emergency happens after office hours?
Many dental offices provide guidance outside of normal business hours, even if treatment must wait until the next day. In some cases, you may be advised on how to manage discomfort or protect the affected area until you can be seen. Having access to direct communication with a dentist can make a stressful situation feel more manageable and help you take the right steps immediately.
Is it possible to treat a dental emergency without coming into the office right away?
Some situations can be temporarily managed with medication or home care instructions until an in-person visit is possible. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed for infections, or steps may be recommended to protect a damaged tooth. While this does not replace treatment, it can help control symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening until a full evaluation can be completed.
What should I do if I unexpectedly break or chip a tooth?
If a tooth is fractured or damaged, attempt to keep the area clean and refrain from chewing on that side. Gently rinse your mouth and, if you can, preserve any fragments that have broken off. Applying a cold compress may help reduce swelling. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s important to have it evaluated promptly, as small fractures can deepen or lead to further complications if left untreated.
How quickly should I act if I have severe tooth pain?
Severe or persistent tooth pain should be addressed as soon as possible, as it often indicates an underlying issue such as infection or nerve involvement. Waiting too long can allow the problem to worsen, potentially leading to more complex treatment. Prompt evaluation in Quincy, MA, helps identify the cause and provides relief while preventing additional damage to the affected tooth and surrounding structures.
Can emergency dental care help save a damaged or knocked-out tooth?
Yes, quick action can make a significant difference in saving a tooth after trauma. In cases where a tooth is knocked out, proper handling and immediate care improve the chances of successful reattachment. Even for other types of damage, early treatment can stabilize the tooth and prevent the need for extraction, preserving your natural smile whenever possible.
Will emergency dental treatment address the problem permanently?
Emergency care is often focused on relieving pain and stabilizing the immediate issue. In many cases, a follow-up visit is needed to complete the full treatment plan, such as placing a permanent restoration or addressing underlying causes. This two-step approach ensures that both the urgent symptoms and the long-term health of your teeth are properly managed.
If you are dealing with a dental emergency, and live in the Quincy, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Norwell, or Waymouth area, call Dr. Matarazzo today to find out how your situation can be addressed in a timely and effective manner. He will be able to schedule you for an appointment and possibly provide you with the medication you need to make you comfortable until you are able to make it in to the dental office for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
