Emergency Dental Services

When you have a dental emergency — whether it’s caused by a sudden accident or chronic disease — your teeth and the gum tissue that surround them need to receive proper care right away. As with any type of medical emergency, it’s important to be aware, before you’re actually in the situation, of what you can do to ensure the best outcome.

What to do if you’ve lost a tooth

If one of your permanent teeth have been knocked out, you should take immediate action. You’ll increase the chances that the tooth can be saved if you pick it up without touching the root, gently clean it off with water, and keep it either in a cup of cold milk or in your mouth next to your cheek. If the tooth dries out, it is very unlikely we will be able to save it.

It is imperative that you call us immediately, and that you come to our office within an hour, if possible.

What to do if your tooth has been loosened or moved, but not fallen out

For a traumatic injury where a tooth that has been moved or loosened, but not fallen out, treatment needs to occur within six hours. If there is uncontrollable bleeding, go immediately to the ER.

What about a chipped tooth?

Fortunately, a chipped tooth is both the most common traumatic dental injury, and the least serious. If a tooth is chipped, try to find any pieces that have come off, as it might be possible to reattach them. Make an appointment with us as soon as possible, and bring the pieces with you.