Emergency Dental Care
If you're experiencing a dental emergency, don't hesitate to contact our office immediately at 435-649-6332. Prompt attention can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth, and can prevent more serious complications. There are clear instructions on our voicemail for patients experiencing after-hours emergencies.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies typically include situations that involve:
- Severe pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers
- Significant bleeding from the mouth
- Trauma or injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw
- Infection with swelling that may affect breathing or swallowing
- Lost or damaged restorations causing pain or sharp edges
- Broken teeth with exposed nerves
These situations require prompt attention to relieve pain, prevent further damage, and preserve oral health.
Common Dental Emergencies & What to Do Before You Arrive at Our Office
Our practice is equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies:
Severe Toothache
Intense tooth pain can be caused by infection, deep decay, cracked teeth, or exposed nerves.
What to do:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed (avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums)
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
A completely dislodged tooth requires urgent care to increase the chances of successful reimplantation. With proper handling and prompt treatment (ideally within 30-60 minutes), we may be able to save the tooth.
What to do:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (top part), not the roots
- Gently rinse the tooth with water if dirty, but don't scrub or remove attached tissue
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, holding it in place with gentle pressure
- If reinsertion isn't possible, store the tooth in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation product
- Seek immediate dental care – time is critical for saving the tooth
Broken or Cracked Teeth
Fractured teeth can be painful and risk further damage or infection if not treated promptly. We assess the extent of the damage and provide appropriate treatment, from bonding to crowns or root canal therapy.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Save any broken pieces if possible
- Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum if available
Lost Fillings or Crowns
When restorations fall out, they leave the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitivity and further damage. We can replace or temporarily repair lost fillings and recement or replace crowns.
What to do:
- Save the restoration if possible
- For a lost filling, temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) can protect the area
- For a lost crown, you may be able to temporarily reattach it using dental cement or toothpaste
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
