We keep time open in our schedule every day for emergencies of both new and existing patients. Whether it’s for a chipped tooth or excruciating toothache, we will get you in for an emergency visit to get you out of pain.
After hours and on holidays, we offer an emergency phone # to call for treatment. We will either see you or refer you to someone that can.
Toothache
Begin by meticulously cleaning around the sore tooth Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between the teeth. Do NOT use aspirin on the aching tooth or gum, this can worsen pain. If you have facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, ibuprofen is recommended. If the pain persists more than a day, please contact us. If swelling interferes with breathing or vision, seek emergency care immediately.
Cut Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure, or continues profusely longer than 15 minutes, please go to the nearest emergency room. After an injury, it’s normal to see a small amount of blood in your spit for 12 hours.
Torn Frenum (tissue between upper lip and gums) in children
This can look very frightening because it can bleed a lot, and if bumped again within a few days it will bleed again. Stop bleeding by applying pressure to outer lip for 10 minutes. *Caution: Once bleeding has stopped don’t pull the lip out to look at it, the bleeding will start again. Once bleeding has stopped apply a cold pack or popsicle to area for 20 minutes. To help alleviate pain, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen following the normal dose table. ***Call your doctor if pain becomes severe, any signs of infection (increased pain, swelling, fever). It’s also best to see your dentist within 2 days to determine if teeth were also injured during fall.
Broken Tooth
Recover any of the broken tooth fragments. Rinse the area gently with warm water, apply a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Please seek immediate dental attention.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth into the socket, and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup of milk or water. Time is essential, so see a dentist immediately, to have the tooth braced into place.
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of a jaw injury, try to stabilize the jaw by tying the mouth closed with a towel or tie. Go immediately to the nearest emergency room.
Bleeding after baby tooth falls out
Fold a piece of gauze or clean cloth, and place it tightly over the bleeding area. Bite down on gauze for 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, see a dentist.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief while they heal. Avoid acidic foods (tomatoes, ketchup, oranges, etc).
