Emergency Dental

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and if one happens to you, it’s important to call the dentist immediately. Here’s a list of the most common dental emergencies and how to handle them:

Toothache. If you experience a toothache that doesn’t go away, or that continually comes back, call the dentist right away. While you’re waiting for your appointment, you can do a few things to ease the pain. If your mouth is swollen, use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek or mouth. You can also rinse with warm water to help dislodge any food caught in your teeth that might be contributing to a toothache.

Broken or Chipped Tooth. If you chip a tooth, it’s important to stay calm. Call the dentist as quickly as you can, and in the meantime, rinse out your mouth with warm water and try to save any broken pieces of the tooth if possible. If you’re bleeding, use a piece of gauze and apply slight pressure until the bleeding stops and use a cold compress for any swelling.

Crown Dislodged or Lost. If you have a crown that has come off completely, call us immediately to have the crown replaced and cemented. While you’re waiting, rinse with warm salt water to wash away debris. If it’s available, use denture adhesive to temporarily reattach the crown. Do not use superglue or any household adhesives.

Abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is a severe infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. They occur most often as a result of severe tooth decay or broken or chipped teeth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the rest of your body. That’s why it’s extremely important to make an appointment right away if you think you may have an abscess.

If you experience any of these or other dental emergencies, call us right away.