Hales Corners
Emergency Dentist

We understand dental emergencies can't wait. That's why we aim to offer same-day appointments when possible, subject to availability. While we can't guarantee immediate scheduling, we'll do our best to address your urgent needs promptly.
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If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call! If possible, we ask that you call ahead at (414) 529-3253 so that we can prepare for your visit. Our office is at 5535 S 108th Street, Suite 1, Hales Corners, WI 53130 for an appointment.  

The most common type of dental emergency is the loss or damage of dental work, like a filling or a crown. If you’re chewing gummy candy and pull out a filling, this is considered a dental emergency. After the loss of dental work, your weakened tooth is exposed to oral bacteria, which could result in an infection or further complications.
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Another common category of dental emergencies are oral injuries, such as a loose, knocked-out (avulsed), cracked, chipped, or impacted tooth, as well as lacerations and damage to the tongue, lips, gums and cheeks. A serious toothache is also considered a dental emergency because this could indicate a tooth infection or abscess. An advanced case of periodontal disease also counts as an emergency.

As a rule, we define a dental emergency as any issue causing you pain, bleeding, or discomfort that you cannot treat on your own. If your issue meets these criteria, come to DK Dental Care for a same-day appointment right away.

Before you do anything else, contact DK Dental Care to let us know that you’re coming in for an appointment. Getting help as soon as possible is critical to restore your tooth and prevent further damage.
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Next, recover your tooth or dental work, if applicable. Gently rinse off your tooth with warm water and replace it in the socket, or in a small bag of cold milk.  After this, you can use clean gauze or cotton balls to absorb blood, if necessary. You can also use over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen to help with discomfort and swelling, as well as external ice packs.
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Finally, make sure you come to DK Dental Care as soon as you can. Dr. Keeling will provide you with the restorative treatment you need to get back to your daily life free of pain and discomfort.

The most important reason to get emergency care right away is to protect your tooth and prevent further complications. The sooner you get help, the more likely it is that we will be able to save your tooth. 
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For example, if your tooth is knocked-out, it must be replaced in 1-2 hours to save it. If you pull out a piece of dental work, the underlying enamel may be vulnerable to decay if you don’t get help right away, which could lead to a tooth infection. By getting immediate care, you can avoid these complications.
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Immediate dental care for an emergency also gets you out of pain quickly. A cracked or broken tooth, for example, may cause serious pain and interfere with your ability to chew or speak properly. We can restore your tooth and provide you with numbing and sedation to ensure your comfort during treatment. For these reasons, it’s important to seek emergency dental care from Dr. Keeling at DK Dental Care as soon as you begin experiencing an oral issue.

There are many different conditions that count as a dental emergency. Oral injuries are a common emergency issue, and this includes things like chipped, cracked, broken, loose or knocked-out teeth, as well as cuts and injuries to the gums, lips, tongue and cheeks. 
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Pulled-out dental work, like a filling or crown, is also considered an emergency. Serious, prolonged toothaches may indicate an infected tooth, and this should also be treated as soon as possible. 
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As a rule, any oral issue that is causing you pain, discomfort and bleeding and you don’t know how to treat on your own is an emergency. If you think your condition counts as an emergency, you’re probably right!

In most cases, it’s not a good idea to go to the ER for a dental emergency. Most emergency rooms do not have a dentist as part of their staff, and will not be able to treat your condition. Even if they can treat you, going to the ER is much more costly than seeing an emergency dentist, and while most dental emergencies are painful, they are not life-threatening.
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For the most part, it’s a better option to see an emergency dentist in Hales Corner, such as Dr. Keeling. 
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There are a few exceptions, though. If you have reason to believe your issue could be life-threatening, you should definitely go to the emergency room. It’s better to be safe and make sure you get the care you need. Some examples of issues that may require an ER visit include:

• Oral or facial swelling that is interfering with your ability to breathe or swallow properly
• Jaw trauma that may have dislocated or broken your jaw
• Dental trauma that may be accompanied by a traumatic head injury like a concussion

Use your best judgment. If you believe your life or a loved one’s life is in danger, don’t hesitate to go to the ER for a dental emergency.