Emergency Dentistry

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency involves any situation that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Common dental emergencies include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, loose teeth, abscesses, and injuries to the gums or jaw. If you experience any of these symptoms or have a significant dental concern, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care immediately.

What if my tooth gets knocked out?

If your tooth gets knocked out, time is of the essence:

• Handle the tooth carefully. Pick it up by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth), not the root.
• Clean the tooth. Gently rinse it with water to remove dirt, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.
• Try to reinsert it. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that’s not feasible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a glass of milk or holding it in your mouth next to your cheek.

Visit us immediately. The sooner you can get to our office after a tooth has been knocked out, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

What if my tooth is loose but still attached?

If your tooth is loose but still attached:

• Avoid touching or wiggling the tooth. Keep it as stationary as possible.
• Keep the tooth in place. Bite down gently on a soft material, such as gauze or a tea bag, to help stabilize it.
• Visit our office immediately. Prompt dental care can potentially save the tooth and prevent infection.

What if I have a chipped or cracked tooth?

For a chipped or cracked tooth:

• Rinse your mouth. Use warm water to clean the area and remove any debris.
• Apply cold compresses. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce inflammation.
• Avoid chewing on that side. Try to avoid putting pressure on the affected tooth.
• Visit us as soon as possible. Early professional evaluation is crucial to prevent further damage or infection and to determine if a filling, crown, or other treatment is necessary.

Don’t hesitate to contact South Peek Dental Care immediately for any dental emergency. Our dedicated team is ready to provide rapid and effective treatments to manage your dental emergencies and restore your oral health.