How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

A Toothache
If you experience a toothache, contact us as soon as possible for an appointment. Until you can come in, use a cold compress to ease the swelling and consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen or use a topical numbing gel. You also can rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

A Knocked-Out Tooth
Call us straightaway if you knocked out your tooth so we can get you in as quickly as possible. If you re-implant a tooth within 30 minutes of it being knocked out, it has the greatest chance of surviving.

• Handle the tooth by the crown (top portion), not by the root.
• Clean the tooth with milk or saline solution.
• Hold the displaced tooth in its socket. If you are unable to place the tooth back in its socket, then keep it in your mouth near your check. You also could place it in a small container of milk.
• Come immediately to our practice or the nearest emergency room if we are unavailable.

Addressing a dental injury as fast as possible is vital so don’t delay seeking care.

Office Hours