Emergency Dental Services

Crowns are designed to be quite durable, but there is always a risk that they may become damaged or broken. They can even fall out or be knocked out as a result of impact. If this happens to you, don't panic. Call our dental office right away. 

Ideally, you should receive dental care the day your crown falls off because the crown is used to cover a large hole in the tooth so if the crown is no longer attached, the interior of the tooth may be exposed, resulting in sensitivity and even pain. If your uncovered tooth is causing you discomfort, you can cover it with a temporary dental cement or wax from a pharmacy to alleviate some of the discomfort and sensitivity you might be feeling.

To save yourself time and money, you will want to try to find your lost crown. If you do locate it, rinse it with warm water, and place it in a sealed container to bring to your appointment. In many situations, your dentist may be able to reattach the crown, saving you the time and money associated with having a new one created.

If a filling falls out of your tooth, call us to make an appointment as soon as possible. Your filling was used to cover a hole created by a cavity, and once that hole is exposed, food and debris can get trapped. As a result, your tooth will become susceptible to tooth decay.

While you wait for your dentist appointment, keep the area where your filling used to be as clean as possible and avoid chewing on the affected side.

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, try to find the missing piece and put it in a clean container to bring to your appointment. Your dentist can potentially reattach it. Whether the piece is found or not, call our office right away to have your damaged tooth repaired.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, call our office as soon as possible. The sooner you can be treated after a tooth has been knocked out, the better the chance your dentist will have of reattaching it.

If you can find your knocked-out tooth, rinse, hold it by the crown – never by the roots – and re-insert it into your tooth socket by gently biting down once it is in its place. If you are unable to reinsert the tooth, try to keep it moist by putting it in a glass of milk or holding it in your mouth until you arrive at your office.

Taking an over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce any discomfort you may feel. If you are bleeding, do not take aspirin, as this can thin your blood and increase the bleeding. Apply a cold compress against your cheek where your tooth has been fractured. This will help reduce your pain and swelling.

If your tooth cannot be saved, we offer restorative treatment options, such as bridges, that can be used to replace your missing tooth. 

Are you experiencing sudden swelling in the mouth or neck areas or severe pain or discomfort in or around your mouth? Call us right away to book an examination. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to try to reduce the pain:

• Apply a cold compress to your cheek, on the area where you are feeling pain.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medication.
• Use salt water to flush the area that is in pain.

Please note that if the swelling is impacting your ability to breathe, you should seek emergency medical care at a hospital as soon as possible.

Injuries to the soft tissues of your mouth, including your tongue, cheeks, gums and lips, can result in bleeding. If this happens, you should:

1. Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution.
2. Apply pressure to the bleeding site with a moistened gauze or caffeinated tea bag. Hold in place for 15 to 20 minutes. (Tea contains tannic acid, which helps shrink blood vessels and slow bleeding.)
3. Hold a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek in the affected area for up to 10 minutes to control bleeding and relieve pain.

If the bleeding doesn’t stop, see your dentist immediately (call ahead if possible) or go to the nearest emergency room. Apply gauze pressure on the bleeding site until your dentist or doctor can see you.