Emergency Services

When children are involved in sports, hobbies or play, they increase the chances of hurting their mouth or teeth. Accidents and injuries can happen at any time of the day or night. Some may require immediate attention, while others can wait. 

How do you know if it’s an emergency?

First, if an injury or accident occur during regular business hours, call our office to see what we advise (if after hours, voicemail will give you instructions). We may want you to be seen by us or by another medical professional immediately if:

• A tooth is severely cracked
• There is a large piece of tooth missing
• The tooth has been knocked out completely
• The child can feel nerve damage: extreme sensitivity, shock or tingling feeling, burning pain 

Depending on the severity and location, a chipped tooth or minor crack can usually wait until we can schedule an appointment for your child. 

Tips for at-home care after an accident or injury

• Tooth is knocked out: If a tooth is knocked out, find the tooth and rinse it off with warm water. It is vital to hold the tooth by the crown and try not to touch the roots too much. If it will easily and painlessly go back into the socket, gently place it into the socket and call us. If this is too painful, put it in a cup of milk and call us for further instructions. 
• Chipped tooth: When it comes to fracturing or chipping a tooth, the life of the tooth is not always in jeopardy. If you believe that the damage to the tooth is just cosmetic, if it is not sharp, and if the child is not in pain, an immediate visit is usually not necessary. However, if there is tooth pain, the nerve may be exposed, and you should contact us right away.
• Tooth or mouth pain: Over-the-counter pain medication can help with pain before you are able to see us. Ice packs are also a great way to help reduce swelling.

Call us if you feel the situation is an emergency. If after business hours, a recording will give you instructions on what to do.