Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergency Treatment

If your emergency is life-threatening, please dial 911 and notify emergency medical professionals immediately. 

Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Whether you are experiencing one of the following dental emergencies or would like to speak to a dental professional because you are uncertain as to what may be the problem, we encourage you to contact us immediately so that we can be of assistance and so that we can try to schedule an appointment as promptly as possible.  Every attempt will be made to try to schedule a same day appointment.

Knocked Out (Avulsed) Tooth

If you have knocked out a tooth or completely displaced it from its socket, carefully grasp the tooth by the enamel on the crown so as to not damage the surface of the root and place it in a container of milk (if available), and hold it there will trying to contact us immediately.  

Fractured Tooth

There are several ways a fractured tooth can be repaired. A minor fracture or chipped tooth may be smoothed over.  A larger fracture or chipped tooth could potentially be restored using a composite filling.   To the extent that the entire cusp of the tooth is fractured or chipped, the tooth may need an onlay or crown. Please use great care in treating the tooth during the following few days by avoiding hard, sticky , hot and cold food and drinks. 

Fractured Jaw 

If you find that your jaw hurts when it is moved or if you cannot close your mouth in a normal fashion, it is possible that you may have fractured your jaw. Seek professional medical help at a hospital emergency room. The hospital will be able to treat your injury as well as advise you whether you need to make an appointment to see .

Bitten Tongue or Lip 

Biting or lacerating your tongue may cause inflammation and possible bleeding. Use ice or pressure to control the swelling or bleeding. Any swelling should subside within twenty-four hours. We encourage you to contact us if the pain persists or the laceration is deep.

Mouth Sores

Canker sores are those very small and painful sores which occur inside the mouth. They can be caused by stress, biting the inside of the mouth or by a reaction to certain foods. If you find that you have developed a canker sore on the inside of the mouth, apply an over-the-counter medicine like Orajel or Campho-Phenique. This will produce a bandage-like film over the sore.

Toothache 

An aching tooth is a very common dental emergency. A toothache is often a sign of infection in or around a tooth. Tylenol or aspirin can sometimes be effective in comforting pain. If there is a hole in the tooth, you may place Oil of Cloves on a small cotton pellet and place it in the site to relieve pain.  Contact us immediately if you experience a toothache.