Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency.  We will attempt to work you in to our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours.  After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office for the doctor's emergency contact number.  Patients of record who have been in our office in the past 6 months will be seen after hours.
 

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Tooth Ache

• Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth.

• Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. 

• Under no circumstances should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. 

• In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. 

• For temporary pain relief, ibuprofen is recommended. 

• Please contact us for an appointment if the pain persists more than a day.

 

Cut or Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek

• Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. 

• For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. 

• If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

 

Broken Tooth

• Rinse the area with warm water. 

• Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury.  

• Seek immediate dental attention.

 

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

• Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root. 

• Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. 

• Reinsert the tooth in the socket, and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. 

• If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. 

• Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.

 

Broken Jaw

• In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. 

• Go immediately to an emergency room.

 

Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out

• Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. 

• Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes. 

• If bleeding continues, see a dentist.

 

Cold or Canker Sores

• Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. 

• The sores will usually heal in 7-10 days without any treatment.  This can be reduced by eliminating acidic foods & drinks from your diet and using a mild, non-tartar-control toothpaste.  

• Do not bleach and do not use a whitening toothpaste or rinse.  If sores persist, visit your dentist.

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