Emergencies

If you feel you have a dental emergency, please call our office immediately at 919-942-5652. If you call during business hours, we will make every attempt to give you a same-day appointment. After hours, our voice mail provides an alternate number. If you cannot reach us and are in a great deal of pain or experiencing swelling or bleeding, please visit an emergency room.

Tooth Ache

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. Do not use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. If you have facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. If the pain persists more than a day, please contact us for an appointment.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Apply ice 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, contact our office or visit the nearest emergency room.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Apply a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. If you have a significant amount of discomfort and it's during normal business hours, please contact our office. After business hours, if you have little to no discomfort, contact us the next business day. 

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root. 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 of milk or water. Because time is essential, contact our office immediately. 

Possible Broken Jaw

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

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, please contact our office.

Cold or Canker Sores

Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If the sores persist, contact us for an appointment.