Dental Emergencies

Some dental problems can wait for a regular appointment. These generally can't:

Severe or persistent toothache. Swelling in the gum, face, or jaw. A tooth that has been knocked out. A broken or badly cracked tooth. Bleeding that won't stop. A lost filling or crown leaving a sharp or sensitive tooth. Pain that wakes you at night or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medication.

Swelling deserves particular attention. It usually means infection, and infection in the mouth can spread. If you have facial swelling along with fever or difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to a hospital emergency department rather than waiting for a dental appointment.

For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it by the crown and not the root, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and get to a dentist immediately. The window for reimplantation is short, measured in hours.

When you call, describe what's happening and how long it's been going on. We keep time available for urgent cases and will get you in as soon as we can.

If it's outside our hours, leave a message and follow the guidance on our voicemail so you know where to go in the meantime.