emergency visit

Apply wrapped ice to bruised areas. If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10-15 mins., or if heavy and can’t be controlled by simple pressure, go to nearest emergency room or urgent care center.

Locate the tooth and pick it up carefully, touching the crown (top) only and not the root, if possible. Rinse the tooth if needed, but don’t clean or handle it unnecessarily. If the tooth is whole (not broken or cracked), gently reinsert it in its socket. Hold the tooth in place by biting down on clean gauze or cloth. If you can’t reinsert it, transport it in a cup of milk or mildly salty water. This helps keep the root alive until you can see us. Timeliness is crucial to help save the tooth!

Rinse dirt or debris from injured area with clean, warm water. Place a cold compress over injured area of face to reduce swelling or bruising. Find and save any pieces of broken tooth you can. See us IMMEDIATELY.

Thoroughly clean around the sore area. Rinse by swishing warm salt water and try to dislodge any trapped food or debris with dental floss. Don’t put aspirin directly on teeth or gums, but do take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen to help ease the pain until you can see us. If your face is swollen, apply a cold compress (or a bag of frozen peas can do the trick).

Try to keep the jaw from moving by holding it or gently wrapping a towel or tie around the jaw and head. Get to nearest emergency room or urgent care center.

Have your child bite down on clean, folded gauze or cloth over the bleeding area for 15 mins. Repeat once if necessary, but call our office if bleeding continues.

Usually over-the-counter preparations bring relief until sores heal. However, some serious diseases can begin as sores, so let us know if sores worsen and/or persist.