Dental Emergencies

What constitutes an emergency and what should I do? There are many things that constitute an emergency. Some of the most common ones are listed below:

Toothache: Rinse your mouth with water. Gently use dental floss to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the tooth or gum tissue in the surrounding area. Apply a cold compress if necessary. Call our office if pain persists or if you have any questions.

Fractured/Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to prevent/reduce swelling. If possible, save the piece of tooth that has broken off, place it in a container with milk or saline solution and bring it with you to your dental appointment. Use ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain. Contact our office to schedule an appointment immediately.

Knocked Out Tooth: Quick action can save a knocked out tooth and prevent infection. Rinse your mouth with water and apply a cold compress to prevent/reduce swelling. If you are unable to place the tooth back into its socket, don't let it dry out, place the tooth in a container with a lid and fill with milk, saline solution or saliva. Contact our office or go to the emergency room immediately.

Bitten Tongue, Cheek or Lip: Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling. If it is bleeding and does not stop, go to the emergency room immediately.

Objects Caught between Teeth: Try to remove the object with dental floss. Do not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed object. If you are unable to remove it, call our office.