Emergency Dental Care
What if I have an emergency
We understand dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, often when you least anticipate them. Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or any other urgent dental issue, our dedicated team is here to provide the care you need.
During our regular business hours, please call us for immediate assistance. If a problem arises after hours, our answering service will promptly forward your message to our on-call dentists.
What Qualifies as Emergency Dental Care?
Dental emergencies can encompass a wide range of situations, including:
- Severe Toothache: Persistent or intense pain that does not subside may indicate an underlying problem requiring prompt attention.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: Accidents can lead to damaged teeth, affecting your smile and potentially causing further complications if not addressed promptly.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth is completely dislodged, seeking immediate emergency dental care is crucial, as quick intervention may help preserve the tooth.
- Abscess or Infection: Signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or fever, should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent serious health risks.
- Lost Filling or Crown: If a filling or crown becomes loose, it can expose the tooth to further damage and discomfort, requiring urgent care.
Managing Dental Emergencies
Toothache
Thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to dislodge any trapped food particles. Apply a cold compress to the affected area if swelling occurs. Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly on the gums near the painful tooth, as this can damage the gum tissue. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or paracetamol, following the dosage instructions. Schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible.
Chipped, Fractured, or Broken Teeth
Preserve any tooth fragments by placing them in a sterile saline solution or milk. Rinse your mouth and the broken pieces with warm water. Press a piece of gauze (not tissue) against the area to help stop bleeding. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Take an over-the-counter pain medication, and visit your dentist immediately.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Retrieve the tooth, handling it only by the crown. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in milk, saline, or the patient’s saliva, but do not let it dry out or rinse with water. Carefully remove any visible debris, but do not scrub the tooth or detach any tissue. If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket, ensuring it’s oriented correctly, but do not force it. If reinsertion is not easy, store the tooth in a small container of milk. Contact a dentist immediately, as teeth that are knocked out have the best chance of being saved if treated within one hour.
Partially Dislodged Tooth
Visit your dentist immediately. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Contact your dentist immediately.
Unexplained Dental Swelling
Swelling often indicates an infection in the teeth or gums. Contact your dentist immediately for treatment.
Lost Dental Crown
Safeguard your crown to ensure it can be re-cemented promptly, preventing any damage. Contact your dentist.