Emergency Dental Care in Minnesota

Emergency Dental Care FAQ

What counts as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, facial or gum swelling, bleeding that will not stop, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, or signs of infection such as a pimple-like bump on the gums. A lost crown or filling is urgent but usually less critical. If you are unsure, call Valley View Dental and the team will help you judge how quickly you need to be seen.

Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?

Go to the emergency room if you have swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or facial trauma beyond the teeth. For most tooth problems, an ER can provide pain relief or antibiotics but cannot repair the tooth itself. Patients in St. Peter, Kasota, and the Mankato area should call Valley View Dental first for toothaches, broken teeth, and lost restorations.

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, and rinse it briefly with water without scrubbing. If you can, gently place it back in its socket; otherwise keep it moist in milk or between your cheek and gum. Get to Valley View Dental as quickly as possible, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes, when re-implantation has the best chance of success.

My toothache went away on its own. Do I still need to be seen?

Yes. A toothache that suddenly stops can mean the dental pulp, the tooth's nerve, has died, and an infection may still be spreading at the root tip. Dr. Miller can evaluate the tooth with digital X-rays or a 3D cone beam CT scan, which shows bone and root anatomy in detail, to determine whether treatment is needed before a painful abscess develops.

How can I manage tooth pain while I wait for my appointment?

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen, taken as directed on the label, can help, along with a cold compress on the cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Never place aspirin directly on the gums, since it can burn the tissue. A warm salt-water rinse may soothe irritated gums. Call Valley View Dental for guidance specific to your situation.

Does Valley View Dental see emergency patients the same day?

Valley View Dental makes every effort to see urgent cases as quickly as possible, often the same day when the schedule allows. Call the office at 1302 Marshall St. in St. Peter as soon as the problem starts, describe your symptoms, and the team will advise you on immediate care and arrange the earliest available appointment with Dr. Miller.