Emergencies

Dental emergencies can occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have a life-threatening emergency or need immediate assistance, call 9-1-1.

If the office is closed, and you need assistance before the office reopens the next business day, you can reach us by calling our emergency phone number at 508-907-2122. A member of our staff will return your call as soon as possible.

Emergency Conditions

Tooth Ache

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended. Call our office as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to the emergency department at the hospital.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments and place in water or milk. Call our office.

Knocked Out Tooth

Permanent Tooth: Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk. Call our office.

Primary (Baby) Tooth: Do not reinsert tooth. Call our office.

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Go immediately to the emergency department at the hospital.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, call our office.

Canker Sores

Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. Products such as Orabase with Benzocaine work well. If sores persist longer than two weeks, call our office.