Receive the Care You Need With Emergency Dental Services

Unexpected dental problems can be stressful. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can help alleviate anxiety and even help save a tooth in danger. At Harris Dental Clinic in Laurel, MS, we offer emergency dental services when the unforeseen happens. Dr. Chadwick J. Harris and Dr. R. Brent Culpepper have been proudly serving the community for over 40 years and are equipped to handle a variety of oral health issues.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

It is important to understand what scenarios qualify as a dental emergency. Some injuries require prompt treatment, such as a partially or completely knocked-out tooth. Other issues, such as a lost dental filling or chipped tooth, can wait until normal office hours. Understanding the severity of certain dental problems can help you stay calm, protect your oral health, and even avoid unnecessary emergency room visits. Generally, if severe or persistent pain is involved, it is likely a dental emergency. If you are unsure, call our office and speak to a team member.


Understanding the severity of certain dental problems can help you stay calm, protect your oral health, and even avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.

Our Dental Emergency Services

Regardless of your oral health needs, our team can help. Dental issues we can treat with emergency dental services include:


  • A Knocked-Out or Dislodged Adult Tooth
  • A Fractured or Cracked Tooth
  • Jaw Injuries
  • Sports-Related Dental Trauma
  • Soft Tissue Lacerations

How Should I Immediately Address a Dental Emergency?

If you are faced with a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is call our office for assistance. Our team will offer further instructions and schedule an appointment time for you. The following tips can assist in the handling of certain types of emergencies.

Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious and time-sensitive emergencies. With prompt treatment, Dr. Harris or Dr. Culpepper may be able to save the tooth. Should this happen to you, locate the tooth and handle it with care. Avoid touching the roots, and gently rinse it off with water. If you can, place the tooth back in its socket and keep it there while you drive to our office. If this is not possible, store the tooth in a container filled with milk. If milk is not available, store it in a saltwater mixture.

Fractured Tooth

Minor chips and cracks do not typically require immediate attention. However, if a fracture extends far enough into the tooth, it can cause significant discomfort. In this case, it is important to address the problem right away. If you have a tooth that has fractured, try to locate the broken pieces. Place them in a sealed bag and bring them with you to our office. In the meantime, gently swish with warm salt water to soothe the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can also help alleviate discomfort. If there are sharp or jagged pieces irritating your tongue, cover them with orthodontic wax, which can be found in most pharmacies.

Lost Filling or Restoration

Though this is usually not an emergency, it can be somewhat uncomfortable to lose a dental filling or dental crown. If this happens, it is important to protect the affected tooth until you can visit our office for an appointment. Over-the-counter dental cement is available in most pharmacies or oral healthcare aisles. By using dental cement, you can help reduce the risk of further problems.

Soft Tissue Injury

When lacerations occur on the lips, tongue, or cheeks, it can be alarming. The first step is to rinse your mouth. This can help you determine the severity of the injury. To stop the bleeding, apply steady pressure using a clean cloth or paper towel for five to 10 minutes. Ice packs or cold compresses can help reduce swelling and inflammation. If bleeding persists despite these steps, call our office immediately.

Contact Harris Dental Clinic

When it comes to dental emergencies, acting quickly can help save a tooth and preserve your oral health. To help patients afford unexpected dental costs, we are proud to accept CareCredit® financing. To learn more about the emergency dental services offered at our practice, contact us online or call us at (601) 649-3344.

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