We Are Here When You Need Us Most
Even if you have never visited our office before, we welcome you during a dental emergency. Please reach out to us right away if you are in urgent need of care -- we will work to get you seen as soon as possible and figure out what is going on so we can help relieve your discomfort.
If an emergency arises when our office is closed, our answering service will forward your message to our dentists so your situation is not left unaddressed.
Common Dental Emergencies We See
The most frequent reasons people seek emergency dental care are accidents and toothaches. Toothaches can stem from infection or injury, and should never be ignored -- the sooner we can evaluate what is happening, the better.
-
Severe Toothache
A persistent or intense toothache may signal infection or injury. Contact us right away so we can assess the cause and address it.
-
Knocked-Out Tooth
A tooth that has been completely knocked out is one of the most critical emergencies -- getting to a dentist quickly is vital to giving the tooth the best chance.
-
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked tooth can worsen rapidly. Prompt evaluation helps us determine the right course of care before the damage progresses.
-
Lost or Damaged Filling
Even something as common as a lost filling warrants timely attention to protect the tooth underneath from further harm.
What To Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out
A knocked-out tooth is perhaps the most time-sensitive dental emergency. While you make your way to our office, a few steps can help preserve the tooth: try gently placing it back into its socket without touching the root, or keep it between your gum and lip, in a glass of milk, or in an ADA-approved tooth preservation kit.
If your dental emergency is potentially life-threatening, go to the nearest emergency room first.
Habits That Help You Avoid an Emergency
Many dental emergencies are preventable. Treating your permanent teeth with care every day is the single most important thing you can do -- you only get one set.
-
Drop Habits That Stress Your Teeth
Biting your nails, chewing on pens, or gnawing on other inedible objects puts unnecessary strain on your teeth and can lead to cracks or chips over time.
-
Watch What You Eat
Ice, hard candies, and sticky sweets are rough on enamel and can loosen teeth. If a food takes real effort to chew, it is probably best to leave it alone.
-
Wear a Mouthguard for Sports
Athletes and kids who play sports should always protect their teeth with a mouthguard during physical activity -- one that fits well offers the best protection.
-
Have Your Mouthguard Checked Regularly
Even minor tooth movement can affect how a mouthguard fits. Bring yours to every dental appointment so we can check the fit and adjust it if needed.