Dental Emergencies Q & A
Trauma to your mouth, a cracked tooth, or a knocked-out tooth are all good reasons why you may need emergency dental care. We care about you and can serve most emergency dental needs for every member of your family. If you're dealing with a dental emergency, don't wait. Call the office to find out about same-day appointments.
What constitutes a dental emergency?
Whenever you’re concerned about a mouth injury or you have a problem that can’t wait for a regular appointment, it’s a good idea to seek immediate emergency dental care. The most common reasons why patients seek emergency treatment include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- A loose tooth
- Severe tooth or mouth pain
- Bleeding in your gums, cheek, or tongue
- An injury to your face or mouth
- Swelling in your mouth, gums, or tongue
- A cut or tear on your lips
If your tooth is chipped, but the rest of your tooth appears to be in good shape, it's probably not a dental emergency. Even so, it’s a good idea to contact us so we can tell you how to handle your tooth until you can get to the office.
What should I do when my tooth is knocked out?
If you act quickly, there's a good chance you can save a knocked-out tooth. Start by rinsing the tooth and the inside of your mouth with lukewarm water, but do your best to avoid touching the roots of the tooth.
After rinsing, hold the tooth by the crown (the smooth white top part) and try and reposition it in the empty socket in your gum using gentle pressure. To keep it in place, bite down softly on a gauze pad or a wet tea bag to hold the tooth until you can get to our office.
If the tooth doesn’t go back into the empty socket, hold the tooth in your mouth next to your cheek or keep it in a glass of milk. The moisture will help prevent the roots from drying out.
Do I need an appointment if I have a dental emergency?
In the event of a dental emergency, call to find out how quickly one of the staff is able to see you. Rest assured, Dr. Eng will make every effort to see you as soon as possible, and a quick phone call allows them to prepare for your arrival. We will do our best to treat you, but we will at least evaluate you.