What is a dental emergency?
If you or a loved one is suffering from a toothache or a knocked-out tooth – or any other type of dental emergency – you should call us right away! Dental problems will only get worse the longer you wait to see the dentist.
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, call us and we’ll help you decide if it’s urgent or if it can wait until tomorrow.
If it’s after hours, we have an emergency answering service and our doctors are on-call for true emergencies. We’re here for you when you need us!
Here are some common dental emergencies we can treat:
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Toothache
Call us as soon as you feel pain. Use painkillers, cold compresses, and rinse with salt water as needed.
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Chipped or Broken Teeth
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, it's important not to panic.
First, try to locate any missing pieces of the tooth and put them in a clean container. Bring any pieces of the tooth with you to your appointment as your dentist may be able to reattach them. Even if you cannot find the missing piece, call us right away to schedule an appointment to have the tooth repaired.
Have your damaged tooth treated as soon as possible. In most cases, it is possible to fix a chipped tooth so that it looks natural. Once repaired, it will be difficult for anyone to notice that your tooth was ever broken.
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Knocked-Out Teeth
If you have a knocked-out tooth, it is important to take immediate action to try to save it.
First, carefully rinse the tooth and hold it by the top (crown) rather than the roots. Carefully try to put it back in its socket and bite down gently to keep it in place. If you cannot reinsert your tooth, place it in a container of milk and bring it to your appointment.
Take an over-the-counter pain medication, but do not take aspirin if you are bleeding. Apply a cold compress to the side of your face where the tooth was knocked out to reduce pain and swelling.
In the case of a knocked-out tooth, it is very important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. If you can, call us right away, or head to your nearest hospital emergency for immediate care. The sooner a dentist can see you, the better your chance of saving the tooth.
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Prevent a Dental Injury
Of course, it’s best to avoid an accident in the first place. Your oral health is very important for a fulfilling and enjoyable life. Protect your teeth and mouth by:
- Wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports or high-impact activities.
- Never use your teeth to cut or open bottles and packages.
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy.