Emergency Dental Care
We understand not every dental need can be taken care of with a planned appointment. For this reason, we offer same-day treatment and accept walk-in dental emergencies.
Dental emergencies can be scary and seem to present themselves at inopportune times. If you are experiencing a dental emergency and our office is currently closed, we’d like to offer some help in how to handle some of the most common emergent dental needs:
Severe Toothache: If your toothache is accompanied by a fever or swelling in the face, jaw or neck please visit a local urgent care or emergency room for immediate care. If the toothache responds to normal recommended doses of over the counter pain relievers and there is no fever or swelling, please call our office and leave a message for our next available appointment.
Permanent tooth knocked-out due to fall or injury: If you experience a tooth being knocked out the important thing is to act quickly. If the tooth is completely in-tact (both crown and root are present) be sure to handle the tooth by the top or biting surface of the tooth only; never touch the root of the tooth.
Rinse the tooth with warm water to remove any dirt or debris and if you can, gently reposition the tooth into its natural socket as soon as possible.
Maintain gentle pressure on the tooth with your fingers or by biting top and bottom teeth together.
If you are unable to replace the tooth into its natural socket the old wives’ tale is true, place the tooth in milk, in your mouth between your check and gums, or under your tongue being careful not to swallow the tooth. The important part is always to keep the tooth moist.
Ideally, you should see a dental professional with 30 minutes to one hour after the injury.
Permanent tooth Loosened tooth by fall or injury: If the tooth is loose but still in the socket gently adjust the tooth to what appears to be its natural position. Maintain gentle pressure on the tooth with your fingers or by biting the top and bottom teeth together being careful not to wiggle the tooth as much as possible.
Stick to a soft diet until you can be seen in our office. Many loose teeth will tighten up on their own over time, but it is important to have an x-ray of the area to ensure there is no damage to the tooth structure below the gumline.
Baby tooth knocked out or loosened by fall or injury: The important part is to make sure there are no other injuries to the child’s mouth or face. If so, seek medical care from a local urgent care or emergency room as soon as possible.
Loosing a baby tooth is not typically cause for concern however it is always best to follow up with our office as soon as possible for precautionary measures. We will x-ray and examine the injured area to make sure there is no damage to the surrounding tissue or to the adult tooth that may still be beneath the gumline.