Emergencies

We’re available 24 hours per day for emergencies

We will see the patient immediately. The first 30 minutes after an accident are the most critical to treating dental trauma.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

  • Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion.

  • You may briefly rinse the tooth with saline or milk, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.

  • Inspect the tooth for fractures.

  • If it is not broken, try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the patient keep the tooth in place by biting on gauze.

  • If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. Time is critical. Seek immediate dental care!

  • Note: Primary (baby) teeth are not generally replaced in the socket as this can damage the permanent tooth underneath, however, prompt care by a dentist is recommended.

Broken Tooth

  • Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water.

  • Place a cold compress over the area of the injury.

  • Locate and save any broken tooth fragments.

  • Immediate dental attention is necessary.

Broken Braces and Wires

  • If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with wax.

  • If a wire is stuck in the gum, cheek or tongue, do not remove it. Take the patient to a dentist immediately.

  • Asymptomatic loose or broken appliances do not usually require emergency attention.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

  • Rinse the mouth or area of injury with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water (50% water & 50% hydrogen peroxide).

  • If the patient's lip or cheek is swollen, apply cold compresses.

  • Take the patient to a dentist.

Toothache

  • Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly.

  • Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris.

  • DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the patient's face is swollen, apply cold compresses.

  • Take the patient to a dentist.