Emergencies we treat
Severe toothache
Persistent, throbbing pain usually means infection or a deep cavity. We find the cause and relieve the pain, often with a filling, root canal, or extraction the same day.
Broken or chipped tooth
Save any pieces, rinse with warm water, and call. Many fractures are repaired with bonding or a crown.
Knocked-out tooth
Time matters. Hold the tooth by the crown, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and get to us within an hour for the best chance of saving it.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it. We can often re-cement it or place a new restoration quickly to protect the tooth.
Swelling or abscess
Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw signals infection that will not go away on its own. We drain the infection, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and treat the source.
Broken denture or bridge
We repair or replace damaged appliances so you can eat and speak normally again.
What to do while you wait
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to clean the area.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for swelling, 15 minutes on and 15 off.
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum.
- For a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist and do not scrub the root.
- For a lost crown, a dab of denture adhesive or toothpaste can hold it temporarily.
- Avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods until you are seen.
Go to the emergency room first if you have swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, bleeding that will not stop after 20 minutes of pressure, or a possible broken jaw. Then call us for follow-up care.
Serving Latrobe and the surrounding area
Our office at 322 Unity Plaza is on US Route 30 in Unity Township, an easy drive from Greensburg, Derry, Ligonier, Youngstown, Jeannette, and Mount Pleasant. Free parking is at the door, and our early hours Tuesday through Thursday mean you can often be seen before work.
Emergency care questions
Do you take emergency patients who are not existing patients?
Yes. Emergency calls and appointments are welcome, especially for new patients seeking help. Call the office and tell us what is happening; we will do our best to see you the same day.
What if my emergency happens after hours or on a weekend?
Call (724) 537-9870 and follow the instructions on the message. For severe swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a jaw injury, go to the nearest emergency room first: Independence Health Latrobe Hospital is minutes from our office.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
The emergency exam and x-ray are billed like a regular problem-focused visit, and we file with your insurance. We will give you a clear estimate before any treatment. CareCredit financing is available.
Can you treat the problem the same day?
Very often, yes. Most toothaches, broken teeth, lost fillings and crowns, and extractions can be handled at the emergency visit. Complex cases may need a follow-up appointment.