In case of a dental emergency, please call us immediately at (336)643-1440. If our office is closed, the message will have information on how to get in touch with one of us. However, if for some reason you cannot get a hold of us, please go to the Emergency room of the nearest hospital or call 911.
How can you cure a toothache?
Curing a toothache most often involves treatment that can only be provided in a dental office. Antibiotics and pain pills only manage side effects but do not treat the problem. Antibiotics are not meant to be taken long-term or on multiple occasions for the same toothache. If taken and the toothache goes away, it will come back if the tooth is not treated.
Contact us immediately if you are suffering from a toothache. Take an anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) – read the label first to avoid going over the maximum dose.
– ELIZABETH I
What do you do if you become swollen?
Swelling usually occurs because of an infection – this might be a small amount in the gum tissue, or might be a large abscess that has to be drained. Call us immediately to be see and properly diagnosed. After diagnosis, an appropriate treatment can be recommended and an antibiotic if needed.
What should you do if your crown comes off?
Keep the crown safe so you can have it re-cemented if possible. Sometimes a root canal might be needed depending on the condition of the tooth and how long it is exposed without the crown on it. Call us immediately if your crown comes off so we can see if it can be re-cemented.
What are dental injures and how should you handle them?
Dental injuries may include teeth that are knocked out, broken, or pushed out of position. They may also include lacerations of the tongue, cheek or lips. Please call us if any of these things happens so we can evaluate and treat you as soon as possible to get you out of pain.
Knocked out teeth – you should try not to handle the root surface. If it is dirty, rinse quickly to remove debris. You can try to place the clean tooth back in the socket, since it is possible to re-implant the tooth within 30 minutes of injury. You can also store it inside a glass of cold milk to try to give it a chance to survive. Immediately contact us so we can treat this injury.
Teeth pushed out of position – If the tooth is pushed in, out, or sideways and is out of place, you should apply light finger pressure to reposition it to its normal place. Do not force it into place. Use a moist gauze or tissue to hold it in place and call us so we can splint it in place.
Fractured teeth – the treatment for fractured teeth depends on the degree of severity. Minor fractures can be smoothed or bonded with tooth-colored filling material. Moderate fractures may need further treatment if the nerve is damaged. Severe fracture means there is little chance of recovery for the tooth. Don’t worry, we can help you fix your smile whatever the situation. Please call us immediately if you have a fractured tooth.
Kids Emergency
Quick thinking from parents and being calm are the best ways to handle most common dental emergencies. This includes taking measures such as cold compress or ice to reduce swelling, and of course, also thinking to contact our office as soon as possible.