Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies don't wait for a convenient time. When one happens, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. Here's what to do until you can get to our office.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Time matters. If you can get to us within an hour, there's a good chance we can save the tooth.

1. 1Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part). Don't touch the root.
2. 2If it's dirty, rinse it gently with water. Don't scrub it or remove any tissue attached to it.
3. 3If you can, place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with gentle pressure.
4. 4If you can't put it back in, tuck it between your cheek and gum, or place it in a cup of cold milk. Don't let it dry out.
5. 5Get to our office or an emergency room as quickly as possible.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water. If you can find the broken piece, bring it with you — reattachment is sometimes possible. If there's swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. Call us to schedule an urgent appointment.

Severe Toothache

Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss around the tooth to make sure nothing is caught between teeth making the pain worse. Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage discomfort until you get to us. Don't place aspirin directly against the gum — it can burn the tissue.

A toothache that doesn't go away usually means something needs treatment — a cavity, an infection, or a crack. Call us. Waiting rarely makes it better.

Gum Injury or Bleeding

If you've bitten your cheek, tongue, or lip badly, or if your gums are bleeding from an injury, rinse gently with diluted salt water. Apply firm pressure with a clean, damp cloth for 10 to 15 minutes. If bleeding doesn't stop, go to the emergency room.

Lost Filling or Crown

If a filling falls out, you can temporarily fill the space with a piece of sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement from the pharmacy. If a crown comes off, try to slip it back on with a small amount of dental adhesive or toothpaste to hold it in place. Don't use superglue. Call us to get it properly reattached.

Orthodontic Emergencies

If a wire or bracket is causing pain, cover the sharp area with a small piece of orthodontic wax or a cotton ball. Don't try to cut the wire yourself. Call us and we'll get you in to fix it.