Please follow the guidelines below in the event that you encounter an emergency situation after office hours.
Toothache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between 
teeth. Under no circumstances should you place aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, persistent pain, or extreme pain please contact our office immediately or go to an emergency room. For temporary pain relief, over-the-counter ibuprofen (eg Advil, Motrin) is recommended (as long as you can take ibuprofen as recommended by your physician).
If you experience swelling do NOT use a warm compress, instead an ice pack may be used for relief. If you experience swelling that is traveling up your face toward your eye, or down your neck, or if you are having trouble swallowing or breathing you should be seen in an emergency room immediately.
Temporary crown off
If your temporary crown dislodges, you should be seen in our office to have it recemented. If it comes off after business hours you can temporarily place it back on yourself to get you through until the next time we are open.
- Figure out which way the temporary crown goes on the tooth. It will only go on one way.
- Dry the inside of the temporary crown, and place a tiny amount of over-the-counter denture adhesive on it, such as Fixodent.
- Place the temporary crown on the tooth and press it firmly into place with your finger. Do not bite the temporary crown into place; you might break it.
Knocked-out tooth
Retrieve the tooth. Be sure to hold the tooth by the crown (the portion of the tooth exposed in the mouth). If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off. However, do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue fragments that are attached. If you can, try placing the tooth back in place. Check to make sure it is facing the right way. Do not force the tooth into the socket. If you cannot place the tooth in the socket, place it in a small container of milk. If milk is not available, place it in a cup of water containing a pinch of salt or a product that contains cell growth medium, such as Save-a-Tooth. Please see your dentist as soon as possible. A knocked out tooth is more likely to be saved if it is placed in the socket within 20 minutes of being knocked out.
Extruded (partially dislodged) tooth
Call our office IMMEDIATELY. Until you receive treatment, to relieve pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area. Take ibuprofen (eg Advil, Motrin) if needed for pain (as long as you can take ibuprofen as recommended by your physician).
Lost filling
As a temporary measure, use an over-the-counter dental temporary cement or temporary filling material. If this is unavailable stick a piece of “ortho wax” or sugarless gum into the cavity (sugar-filled gum will cause pain). Call our office for an appointment as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised or swollen areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes please go to an emergency room.
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