At South Fork Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care, no matter what unexpected situations arise. If you experience a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call our office. Our team is ready to provide prompt attention to your needs, and we will make every effort to see you as quickly as possible to ensure you receive the care and relief you deserve. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.
What Constitutes Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry is an essential service that provides immediate care for patients experiencing urgent dental issues. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown, or a severe infection, dental emergencies can occur without warning and require prompt attention. These situations often involve pain, bleeding, or damage to the teeth or gums, and delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications. In emergency dentistry, the goal is to alleviate pain, address any immediate concerns, and prevent further damage to the teeth and surrounding structures. Quick intervention can often make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.
At our practice, we understand the stress and discomfort that a dental emergency can cause, which is why we prioritize swift, compassionate care. Our team is trained to handle a wide range of urgent dental issues and is equipped to provide you with immediate relief. Whether you’re dealing with a chipped tooth, a lost filling, or an abscess, we aim to resolve the issue as efficiently as possible, often offering same-day appointments for emergencies. By addressing the problem quickly, we can not only relieve pain but also reduce the risk of long-term dental damage, ensuring the best possible outcome for your oral health.
Below are instructions for handling some minor common dental emergencies.
In Case of a Toothache
Gently clean the area around the tooth by rinsing your mouth with warm water and carefully flossing to remove any particles that may be trapped in the surrounding tissue. If the pain persists or if the area around the affected tooth feels warm, please contact our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
If a lip, gum, cheek, or tongue gets cut…
Apply ice to the affected area to help reduce swelling, and use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to apply gentle pressure and stop any bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t subside, contact your physician or visit the nearest emergency room for further assistance.
If a baby tooth gets knocked out…
Please call our office to schedule an appointment.
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out…
Call our office immediately and follow these steps: 1) Avoid touching the tooth root. Instead, hold the tooth by the crown and gently rinse it with water. 2) If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and bite down on clean gauze to hold it in place. 3) If you’re unable to reinsert the tooth, place it in a small container of milk or saliva and bring it with you to your appointment.
If a tooth gets chipped or broken…
Gently rinse the area with lukewarm water and place a cold compress on the face to reduce swelling. If you can locate the piece of broken tooth, place the piece in milk, and bring it with you to the office. If more than half of the tooth is broken off, please call us immediately.
