Emergency Dentistry

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that involves severe pain, bleeding, or trauma to the teeth or gums that requires immediate professional attention. This can include issues such as knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, abscesses, lost fillings or crowns, and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. Prompt treatment is crucial to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and avoid long-term damage.

If any of the following statements apply to you, you are having a dental emergency and should contact us immediately.

• I have a tooth knocked out.
• My tooth has been chipped or cracked.
• My mouth is bleeding and won’t stop.
• I’m in extreme pain or am experiencing severe swelling in my gums, mouth, or jaw.
• I have a toothache and swelling in my cheeks or face.
• My jaw is injured.
• My teeth are extremely sensitive and the sensitivity will not subside.
• My tooth is loose or out of alignment.

What if my tooth gets knocked out?

• Pick up the tooth by the top (crown), NOT by the root—do not touch the root.
• Rinse the tooth very gently with only water, no soaps or chemicals. Do NOT scrub the tooth.
• If possible, place the tooth back into the socket. Gently push it in with your fingers then hold it in place while trying to bite down.
• If you can’t place the tooth back into the socket, put it in a container with milk.
• Contact your dentist right away—the faster you act, the more likely it is that your tooth will be able to be reimplanted.c

What if I have a chipped or cracked tooth?

If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, contact your dentist right away. Chipped teeth that aren’t painful can usually be smoothed out or filled in at a regular dental appointment.  A cracked tooth typically indicates that there’s damage to the inside of the tooth, as well as the outside. If your tooth is cracked please follow these steps, after contacting your dentist.

• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling
• Take acetaminophen (not aspirin) to alleviate pain
• Do NOT apply any pain medication—including Orajel—directly to the gums, as it can damage gum tissue