Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. The good news is that most are very treatable, especially when you act quickly and call us right away. Here is what to do for the situations we see most often.
Call us first
Before anything else, call the office. We reserve time each day for urgent concerns and can often see you the same day. Describing what happened lets us guide you in the moment and prepare for your visit. If it is after hours, follow the instructions on our message for urgent care.
A knocked-out tooth
Time matters most here. If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
- Pick it up by the crown, the part you chew with, never the root
- If it is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub it
- If you can, place it back in the socket and hold it there
- If you cannot, keep it in a container of milk, or tucked in your cheek
- Get to us as soon as possible, ideally within the hour
A tooth handled this way has a real chance of being saved.
Severe or lingering pain
Tooth pain that will not settle can signal an infection that needs prompt attention. Rinse with warm salt water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, which can burn the tissue. Then call us so we can find the cause and relieve it.
A broken or chipped tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces if you can. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek helps with swelling. Most chips and breaks can be repaired comfortably, so call us to be seen.
A lost filling or crown
This is usually not an emergency, but it should be handled soon so the tooth does not become sensitive or damaged. Keep the crown if you have it, avoid chewing on that side, and give us a call.
When to seek immediate care
Some situations go beyond a dental office. Seek emergency medical care right away if you have significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or an injury from a serious accident. When in doubt, call us and we will help you decide.
Keep our number somewhere easy to find, and know that if something happens, a team that already knows you is ready to help. Learn more about our emergency care.
