Dental Emergencies Specialist

What is considered a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies comprise any type of dental or oral health issues that requires prompt attention from a dentist. When people hear the word “emergency,” they may think only of serious issues, like having a tooth knocked out. But dental emergencies can include many issues, including:

• toothache

• jaw pain

• discolored patches or slow-healing canker sores

• loose or missing fillings, onlays, crowns or other restorations

• damaged dental implants

• cracked, chipped or broken teeth or crowns

• loose or lost adult teeth

• broken dentures or bridges

• lacerations in the lip or gum

Can a tooth that's been knocked out be put back in place?

The answer is, it depends. In many cases when a healthy tooth is knocked out due to an accident or other trauma, it may be successfully replaced in the socket as long as you get immediate care. It's also important not to touch the root, and to place the tooth back in the socket if you can or to place it between the cheek and gum. If you can't do either, keeping it in a small container of milk can also help preserve it. If a tooth that's lost has significant decay or the socket is damaged, it probably won't be able to be saved, but you should still seek immediate treatment just in case.

What can I do for a toothache?

Call the office immediately to schedule an appointment to prevent any underlying infection from spreading. Then take an over-the-counter pain reliever and try swishing your mouth with warm water in which some salt has been dissolved to help reduce inflammation. Don't swallow the water – just rinse and spit. You can also apply an over-the-counter numbing agent to help manage discomfort until your appointment. Try not to chew on that side or eat soft foods until you can be seen.