Is It a Dental Emergency?
Severe toothache or throbbing pain
Facial swelling, gum abscess, or pus drainage
Knocked out, cracked, or fractured tooth
Broken or lost filling, crown, veneer, or bridge
Trauma to lips, cheeks, tongue, or jaw
Orthodontic wire or bracket causing injury
Severe sensitivity after trauma or new, persistent bleeding
Wisdom tooth pain, jaw stiffness, or fever related to a tooth
We reserve time each day for emergencies. When you call, we will triage your symptoms, advise first aid, and arrange the fastest appointment available. If imaging or antibiotics are needed, we will provide them and complete definitive treatment or a comfortable temporary solution until a full visit can be scheduled.
What To Do Right Now
Knocked Out Adult Tooth: Handle by the crown only, not the root. If dirty, gently rinse with water. Try to place it back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert, place it in cold milk or a tooth preservation solution. Seek care within 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Broken or Cracked Tooth: Rinse with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and save any pieces. Avoid chewing on that side.
Lost Filling or Crown: For a crown, try to place it back with temporary dental cement from a pharmacy. Do not use glue. For a lost filling, protect the area with temporary filling material.
Bleeding After an Extraction or Injury: Fold a clean gauze or cloth and bite with firm pressure for 20 minutes. Repeat once if needed.
Abscess or Swelling: Do not apply heat. Use a cold compress. Take over the counter pain relief as directed. Seek care promptly.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Rinse with saltwater. Apply gentle pressure with gauze for bleeding and a cold compress for swelling.
What To Expect At Your Visit
Focused exam and digital x rays if needed
Pain control with local anesthetic and comfort options
Immediate treatment such as decay removal and temporary or permanent restoration, smoothing sharp edges, re cementing a crown, drainage of infection, or splinting a loose tooth
A clear plan and quote for any follow up care
Home Pain Relief Until You Arrive
Take over the counter pain medication as directed unless your physician has advised otherwise
Use a cold compress on the cheek in 10 to 20 minute intervals
Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and saltwater rinses
Avoid very hot or cold foods and chewing on the sore side
When To Go To the Emergency Room
Fever with facial swelling that spreads to the eye, throat, or neck
Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth
Uncontrolled bleeding
Head or neck trauma after an accident
Costs and Insurance
We provide a written estimate before treatment whenever possible. Emergency exams and x rays are billed as distinct items. We can submit predeterminations and provide itemized receipts for your insurer when applicable.
Often, if you arrive within 60 minutes and the tooth has been kept moist. Handle it by the crown and seek care immediately.
Antibiotics help only when there is spreading infection or systemic signs. The priority is to treat the source, such as decay or an abscess.
Our first goal is to relieve pain. We use local anesthetic and provide definitive or interim treatment to make you comfortable.
Not always. Many can be re-cemented or repaired. If a replacement is needed, we will protect the tooth in the meantime.