Emergency Dental Care

You should be seen right away if you have extreme tooth pain or a swollen jaw. If you are not able to reach a dentist, find an emergency room near you for immediate care. Facial swelling can be a sign of a serious infection that can lead to a medical emergency, especially for children.

In addition to being seen by the dentist, it is important to retrieve the tooth or tooth fragments when possible. In the case of a tooth that has been completely knocked out, gently rinse off debris in room temperature water but don't scrub - there are cells and fibrous tissue on the tooth root that might make it possible to be re-implanted. Place the tooth or fragment in a cup of milk and contact our dental office right away.

If you are unable to see a dentist soon, your local pharmacist can be a great resource. They can advise on dental wax for sharp orthodontic wires or brackets or a safe temporary crown adhesive. Always speak with the pharmacist to make sure you do not purchase products that might cause harm to the tooth or gum tissue.

If you have mild tooth sensitivity related to a chipped tooth or lost filling, usually an over the counter NSAID medication such as Ibuprofen will help alleviate inflammation and tooth pain. Do not take anything that you have not taken before or exceed the recommended dosage. Never place aspirin or other pill medications directly on the gums, this can actually cause a serious ulcer.

Slightly oozing blood is normal following a tooth extraction. Biting on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes usually will help stop the bleeding. In the case of excessive bleeding or pain, contact the dentist that performed the oral surgery or go to the emergency room for instructions.