What to Do in a Dental Emergency
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe or worsening pain, a knocked-out or broken tooth, a lost filling or crown with pain, swelling, an abscess, or bleeding that will not stop are all reasons to be seen quickly. When in doubt, call us and we will advise you.
What should I do first?
Call us so we can get you in. While you wait, use a cold compress on the cheek, take over-the-counter pain medicine, save any pieces of a broken tooth, and rinse gently with warm water. Do not ignore swelling.
What should I avoid?
Do not place aspirin directly on the gums, since it can burn the tissue. Do not wait and hope a problem passes, and do not ignore facial swelling, which can be serious. Reaching us early gives the best outcome.
How fast can I be seen?
We keep same-day emergency appointments open, so call as early in the day as you can. The emergency exam is $100, and our focus is getting you out of pain quickly.