Dental Emergencies In Murrells Inlet, SC
When to go to the ER
How do we decide what qualifies as a dental emergency?
A missing filling, crown, or broken portion of a tooth that does not result in pain or swelling is an urgent need that is typically seen with our next immediate availability. If there is facial trauma from an accident, a tooth knocked out, bleeding, swelling, or exposed nerve from a broken tooth, these are considered emergencies that need to be seen immediately or referred to the appropriate care.
A patient should consider a visit to the ER if they experience swelling of the cheek that is affecting vision or closing the eye, swelling of the neck or under the jaw, swelling of the tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or an aspirated object (tooth, crown, filling, etc.).
Availability and Scheduling
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How quickly can you typically see a patient with a dental emergency?
Most of the time we can see same-day or next-day emergency patients. If it is not a true emergency, but an urgent matter, we can see the patient at their earliest convenience.
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Do you leave openings in your daily schedule for emergencies?
Yes, we usually maintain openings in our schedule daily for emergencies.
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What should patients do after hours or on weekends if they have an urgent problem?
For patients of record, we offer an after hours emergency line to Dr. Hojnowski for true emergencies. Most situations are able to be resolved by a phone call or text with Dr. Hojnowski, and we can usually schedule a patient for the next day to be seen in the office if needed.
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When a patient comes in for an emergency exam, what does that visit usually include?
An emergency appointment includes an xray, photos, and an exam by Dr. Hojnowski to assess the patient’s concern.
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How do you relieve pain or stabilize the issue during that first visit?
Depending on the patient’s condition, sometimes same-day treatment is possible. Other times, it may be more appropriate to prescribe an antibiotic to the patient and re-schedule for treatment, or refer to a specialist if needed.
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Are there certain treatments you can complete same-day, and others that require a follow-up?
Yes there are several times we can complete same-day treatment, but there are others where that may not be appropriate or possible.
The Exam and Treatment Process
Common Emergencies We See
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What are the most common dental emergencies you handle?
We see a wide variety of emergencies including lost crowns and fillings, broken teeth, swelling, abscesses, loose teeth, and sensitivity of teeth or gums to name a few.
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Which of these are you equipped to treat in-office right away?
We can often treat broken or lost crowns and fillings, and cracked teeth right away. Infections and abscesses usually require antibiotics and to be rescheduled for a root canal or extraction. There are some instances where an extraction can be performed right away.
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How do you calm or reassure patients who are anxious or in pain?
We communicate very effectively with our patients, provide options, and allow them to control the choice of their care and the timeline of their care based on the recommendations we provide. Dr. Hojnowski also provides ample time for numbing and confirmation of numbness prior to beginning any procedure to ensure patient comfort.
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What’s your approach to making emergency care as comfortable as possible?
Clear and thorough communication, and ample anesthesia are vital to providing comfortable emergency care.
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Is sedation available for urgent or painful procedures?
We do not offer IV sedation in the office. We can provide oral conscious sedation with re-appointment, as this requires a prescription of medication that the patient will need to acquire from their pharmacy.
Comfort and Reassurance
Preventive and Educational Angle
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What advice do you give patients to avoid dental emergencies in the future?
We provide patients with very detailed information about the current condition of their teeth and mouth at each exam, including certain conditions that we may be keeping a close watch on, and what to expect or look for should anything change. We also provide directions after procedures regarding potential symptoms following treatment, and instructions about care and maintenance.
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Are there certain warning signs you wish more patients recognized earlier?
It is often very beneficial for patients to be in tune with symptoms, even if they are intermittent, and visit the dentist to examine these areas of concern before they turn into an emergency or become a persistent problem.
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Do you have a specific phone line or message for after-hours emergencies?
Yes, our office phone number is set up for non-emergency voicemails to be left after hours, as well as an option to redirect the call to Dr. Hojnowski’s personal phone for patients of record with a true dental emergency.
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How do you want local patients to find help quickly — call, book online, or walk in?
It is easiest for patients looking for emergency help to give our office a call at 843-357-2122 so that we can tell them an exact time to arrive to be seen, often the same day, for an emergency visit. We do welcome walk-in emergencies if the patient is able to wait for an available opening to be seen.
Local & Practice-Specific Details
Dental Services
Start your journey to dental health today!
Meet Dr. Hojnowski
With advanced skills in procedures such as dental implants and bone grafting, Dr. Hojnowski focuses on comprehensive care that prioritizes comfort, function, and long-term oral health. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, Grand Strand Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
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