Unfortunately, emergencies happen. You may damage or even knock-out a tooth, which means you need to contact your dentist right away. Even if the issue occurs after hours, give our office a call to schedule an emergency visit. Do you have questions about emergency care? What should you do to address a problem before seeing the dentist?
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Care
Question: Is a toothache an emergency?
Answer: If you suddenly develop a serious toothache or a throbbing sensation in the tooth, then yes, this can be emergency. An aching tooth can be a sign of a serious cavity or possibly the onset of an infection or abscess. Without treatment discomfort will only increase, as will the risk of losing the tooth altogether. You should contact your dentist right away.
Question: How do I respond to a chipped tooth?
Answer: If you chip a tooth we recommend rinsing with warm water and taking an over-the-counter pain medication to reduce discomfort. If you can recover any pieces of the tooth please do so. However, if you can’t recover any pieces of the tooth then we can still repair your tooth. Remember to schedule an appointment because a damaged tooth is more likely to develop decay or an infection.
Question: Do I need to save my knocked-out tooth?
Answer: Yes. You should bring the tooth to the office with you. Only pick it up by the crown, never touch the root. Try to rinse water any dirt or foreign debris under running water. Don’t remove any tissue. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and hold it there by gently biting down until you can see the dentist.
Question: When should I call 911?
Answer: If the issue is potentially life threatening, then always call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, please contact our office for any pain or damage to the teeth or gums.
