Have you ever experienced a dental emergency? We consider any pain or damage to the mouth, teeth, or gums to be a dental emergency and urge you to visit us as soon as possible. However, should the issue be potentially life threatening we recommend calling 911 or proceeding to the nearest emergency room. Do you have any questions about our approach to emergency dentistry?
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
Question: How do we respond to chipped teeth?
Answer: If you can, try to gather up any pieces of the tooth you can recover. You can then use a piece of gauze to stem the bleeding and place a cold compress against the side of the face to reduce swelling. You should see us as soon as possible. We can repair the tooth, which helps prevent the onset of decay or infection.
Question: Is a toothache an emergency situation?
Answer: Yes. If you develop a sudden and painful ache this could be a sign of trouble. We can examine your tooth and see if you need treatment for decay or an infection. Treating these potential problems helps prevent the risk of losing a tooth. Don’t ignore sudden pain or sensitivity in your teeth, give our office a call.
Question: What happens when a tooth is knocked out?
Answer: If you knock out a tooth remember to pick it up by the crown, never touch the root. Then, rinse it under gently running water to remove dirt and debris (take care not to remove any tissue). Then place the tooth in a glass of milk or return into the socket. Schedule a visit with our office right away.
Question: Should I see the doctor if a restoration comes loose?
Answer: Yes. If a filling or crown comes loose give us a call. We can look at whether your restoration needs replacement before the loose filling or crown exposes sensitive tooth structure to harmful bacteria.
