Find Urgent Dental Care
If you’re facing a dental emergency, give us a call immediately. A dental emergency is typically the result of trauma or injury to the face, and knowing what to do during a dental emergency can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Most dental emergencies require swift action and an immediate appointment. At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we always leave time available for emergency appointments, so use the following information to help you take the necessary steps before receiving emergency treatment.
Dental Pain & Trauma
Significant pain is one of the biggest indicators that you may be in the midst of a dental emergency. Trauma and injuries as a result of sporting and other physical activities are easily preventable with a mouthguard.
If you do experience trauma, you can reduce the swelling with a cold compress. Pain that seems to appear out of nowhere may be the result of tooth decay or infection. Severe toothaches may require a restorative treatment, such as a root canal.
Broken Fillings
A broken filling is a minor and fairly common emergency. If you notice a broken or dislodged filling, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
A broken filling will put your tooth at risk of developing further decay. During your appointment, we’ll replace the filling to improve the structure and seal off the area from harmful bacteria.
Bitten Lip or Tongue
If you or your has a bitten lip or tongue severe enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.
Object Caught In Teeth
If you or your child has something caught between their teeth, use dental floss to remove it gently. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you cannot remove the item with dental floss, call us.
Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth
If you chip or break a tooth, the first thing you should do is collect all the pieces. Next, you should immediately rinse out your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
While a chipped tooth may not immediately constitute a dental emergency, it may worsen over time. We may suggest dental bonding or a dental crown to improve the aesthetics and function of the tooth. Call us immediately.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you or a family member knocks out a permanent tooth, there are a few steps you should take to save the tooth. The most important thing you can do is keep the tooth moist at all times. If possible, put the tooth back in the socket.
You can also place the tooth in a small container of water or milk, but milk is preferred. When handling the tooth, always hold it from the crown, never the root. Do not remove or scrub off any attached tissue fragments. You have the best chance of saving the tooth if you receive treatment within the hour.
Call us immediately and head to the hospital. If you act quickly, you can save the tooth.
Loose Tooth
If you or your child has a loose tooth, it should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled.
Toothache
If you suspect that you or your child has a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and inspect the teeth to make sure nothing is caught between them. If the pain continues, use a cold compress for relief.
Do not apply heat, aspirin, or a topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can damage the gums. Children's pain relievers may be taken orally. Schedule an appointment immediately.
Broken Jaw
If you know or suspect that you or your child has sustained a broken jaw, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call our emergency number and head to the hospital immediately.
A broken jaw often results from a blow to the head. Severe blows to the head can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Dental Abscesses
An abscess is typically the result of a bacterial infection near the root of a tooth. This is a serious condition that can damage your surrounding teeth or soft tissues when left untreated.
If you or your child is diagnosed with an abscess, it must be drained as soon as possible to remove the infection. In many cases, the infection is the result of decay within a tooth that spreads outside of the root.
Once we remove the abscess, you may need a root canal to fully restore your oral health.
Excessive Bleeding
Excessive bleeding is often the result of soft-tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries include those to the tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums. To control the bleeding, you can rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution and place a moist gauze pad on the bleeding area.
You can control the pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Advil or ibuprofen. If the bleeding does not stop, be sure to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Emergency Appointment Now
If you are in the midst of a dental emergency, we can help! Call (916) 962-0577 to schedule your emergency appointment now!