Emergency Info

Tooth Aches

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten 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 after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

A knocked out permanent tooth can be saved. However, the success rate depends on what actions the patient takes prior to arriving at our office. Because time is essential, see contact us immediately.

If you have a knocked out tooth:

  1. Recover the tooth.
  2. Be sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end.
  3. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary.
  4. Reinsert the tooth in 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 containing milk or water or place it between your cheek and gum.

If your tooth is cracked or fractured:

1. Contact our office immediately for repair. 2. If the tooth is bleeding, avoid touching it. 3. If the injury is severe and no dentist in our office is available, seek medical help immediately

Remain calm. Seeking help immediately will boost our chances of saving the tooth and lessen the amount of repair necessary to stabilize it.

Other Emergency Conditions:

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, see a dentist.

Cold or Canker Sores

Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are small ulcers that appear inside the mouth. Canker sores have a white or gray base encircled by a red border. They often recur and typically heal on their own within one to two weeks. Using topical agents or antimicrobial mouthwashes can decrease the length of time the sores stay in the mouth. A laser procedure is also available for immediate relief.