Dental Emergencies

What should you do in case of an emergency?

If broken bones or other injuries are suspected, you should first seek care at a hospital emergency room. However, if the nature of the injury is strictly dental in nature, please call any of our offices and our phone message will tell you how to contact a DFK dentist for a quick response.

Toothache

If you are experiencing a toothache:

Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact DFK.  

Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth.

Contact DFK if your child has swelling, or if a pimple or boil is present by the tooth gums.

Lost Adult Tooth

For a knocked out permanent tooth:

If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily.

If it is not broken, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze.

If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk. The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! 

Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Lost Baby Tooth

For a knocked out baby tooth:

Contact DFK during business hours. This is usually not an emergency, and in most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Baby teeth are not re-implanted due to potential damage to the developing permanent tooth.  

Chipped or Fractured Tooth

Quick action can save the tooth!

If it is a permanent tooth, quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment.

Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to the dentist.

Oral Cuts

For a cut or bitten tongue, lip or cheek:

Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor, or visit the hospital emergency room.

Head Injuries / Injured Jaw

For severe blows to the head:

Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.