ambulance with a tooth for dental emergencies

Dental Emergencies in Central City: What You Should Know

September 19, 2025 9:00 am

Dental emergencies have a way of showing up at the worst times—your child takes an elbow to the mouth at basketball practice, you bite down on a popcorn kernel during movie night, or a crown decides to pop off right before a family gathering. In those moments, it’s easy to feel a rush of panic.

But here’s the truth: most dental emergencies can be handled if you know the basics and have a team you can call. At The Dentist, Dr. Kristen Hermansen-Ryan and Dr. Mikaela Shaw want patients in Central City to feel prepared—not overwhelmed—when the unexpected happens.

What To Do in the Moment

Each dental emergency looks a little different, but here are some steady steps that can help until you get to our office:

Toothache or swelling: Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to check for food. If pain persists, give us a call.
Knocked-out tooth: Handle it by the crown, never the root. Try placing it back in the socket if you can, or keep it moist in milk until you arrive.
Broken or chipped tooth: Save any pieces if possible, rinse your mouth, and avoid chewing on that side until we can see you.
Lost filling or crown: Temporary dental wax or cement from the pharmacy can cover the area, but it’s a short-term solution—you’ll still need us to repair it.

The key is not to wait. Dental problems don’t usually get better on their own, and fast action can often mean saving a tooth.

Why Having a Dental Home Matters

When you’re in pain or worried about a broken tooth, the last thing you want to do is frantically Google “emergency dentist near me.” Having a dental home—an office that already knows your health history, your family, and your needs—takes away so much of that stress.

At The Dentist, we care for patients of all ages, from toddlers with their first loose tooth to grandparents managing restorative needs. That means when something goes wrong, you don’t have to wonder who to call—you already have a team that knows you and can get you the care you need quickly.

Emergency Dentistry in Central City, NE

Preparation for dental emergencies isn’t about memorizing every possible scenario. It’s about knowing the basics and having a dental office you can count on. Patients in Central City trust The Dentist because they know Dr. Hermansen-Ryan, Dr. Shaw, and our team provide prompt, compassionate care when it matters most.

If you’re dealing with a dental emergency—or if you’d simply like to establish care with a team you know you can rely on—call The Dentist in Central City, NE today. We’ll help keep you ready for the unexpected while protecting your long-term oral health.

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

What Our Patients Are Saying

Dr. Ryan has been my dentist since her hire at Central City Family Dental. She has since purchased the business and transformed it into a cutting-edge practice offering state-of-the-art procedures and patient care. She plans to open a new facility in the future to expand on the already exceptional service. They will be welcoming a new doctor in July, which speaks to the success of their practice. Dr. Ryan is always friendly and personable, and possesses a unique ability to relate with patients of all ages. She is down-to-earth and practical, using plain language to explain care plans and upcoming procedures.I always feel welcome, informed, and cared for at The Dentist!

Dane C.

I have always known I had a good dentist purely because I and my family have never feared to go to the dentist. My son-in-law recently had to visit a dentist in a city in another state. His experience was so miserable and now I understand why some people fear the dentist. This office is always welcoming and puts you first. It is a happy place and they are always concerned about your comfort and making sure you have a good experience. This has been my dentist office since I was a little girl and I never fear making a referral to them.

Cheri S.

Dr. Ryan and her team are the best! They have a fun and friendly atmosphere and are so thorough and knowledgeable. They truly work to give the best patient care possible. Even my kids love them. I think the sign on the door says it all, they are awesome.

Allison H.

It's not always easy for some of us with gum disease to go to the dentist, let alone feel like you can trust what they are doing and care about how you are. I appreciate all they do to make me feel comfortable, as I tend to have some unique challenges. The Dentist, including Dr. Ryan and all the staff from the dental hygienist to the front office are excellent to work with and offer positive suggestions for ways to deal with gum disease and the anxieties about them. I appreciate that more than you will ever know!

Amy P.

I have been to several dentists in my lifetime. The last dentist who I went to for many years retired. So, I had to look for a new dentist and was very impressed by the professionalism this new staff displayed during my visit. The dentist, technicians, and office staff all seemed to have a genuine desire to see that I had the best care provided. This dental office exceeded my expectations so I believe I have found a new health provider that will take care of my dental needs.

Phillip B.