Emergencies

Our rule-of-thumb for dental emergencies: if you think it's an emergency, we do, too. Give us a call and we will see you that day. Or if we are not in the office, please call the emergency number listed on the answering machine. In the meantime, here's what to do until you get to our office.

BROKEN FILLINGS. Save the filling so we can have a look at it. Rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water to remove debris - dissolved table salt or baking soda is soothing

LOST CROWN. Displaced crowns can sometimes be reused; hang onto it. Try to affix the crown with denture adhesive or, if it won't stick, use vaseline to keep the tooth away from air.

KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH. Don't panic. If we can treat you within about an hour, chances are we can reseat the tooth for good. Don't touch the tooth root -- this could damage delicate nerves. Gently replace the tooth where it belongs if you can, or keep it moist in milk.

DAMAGED BRIDGES, DENTURES, PARTIALS. Do not risk home repairs. Glue can destroy composition materials and cause tissue erosion. Keep all the pieces, even the smallest, and call us. Most repairs can be done in a short amount of time.

TOOTHACHE is common and nasty. Toothache tells you something is wrong that needs attention. Rinse your mouth with warm water and try to floss away any food particles. Don't lodge aspirin near the tooth--it will irritate, even ulcerate, gum tissue. Ice packs or a numbing agent may make you more comfortable while you're scheduling an appointment. Toothaches may "go away," but the source of the pain won't.

LACERATIONS OR JAW DAMAGE require immediate treatment at a hospital facility or an oral surgeon's office. Take such injuries seriously. Delay may result in further damage.