After-Hours Emergencies
If you have an after-hours emergency such as a toothache, broken tooth, swelling, infection/abscess, lost crown, lost filling, dental trauma, swollen gums, or a knocked out (avulsed) tooth, please call the office for specific instructions on reaching the doctor.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care Instead
Some symptoms need care faster than a dental office can provide, even after hours. If you're experiencing severe facial swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, major facial trauma, or any other potentially life-threatening symptoms, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away rather than waiting to reach the office.
When Is a Dental Problem an Emergency?
Not every dental issue needs immediate attention, but some do. A true dental emergency usually involves ongoing pain, active bleeding, visible infection, or trauma that could affect your long-term oral health if left untreated. Signs to watch for include a knocked-out or badly loosened tooth, a crack large enough to expose the nerve, facial swelling, or pain severe enough to disrupt sleep or eating. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, call the office — we'd rather you call and find out it can wait than wait and make things worse. For anything short of a true emergency, we'll often get you into the next available same-week appointment instead.
What Should I Do With a Knocked-Out Tooth?
Time matters most here — a tooth has the best chance of being saved if it's replanted within about 30–60 minutes. Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root, and avoid touching or scrubbing the root itself. If it's visibly dirty, rinse very briefly with milk, saline, or clean water — don't scrub it or use soap. If possible, try to gently reinsert it into the socket and bite down softly to hold it in place. If that's not possible, keep it moist in a small container of milk, saliva, or an emergency tooth-preservation product, and call the office immediately so we can guide you from there.
What If I Have Dental Swelling or an Abscess?
Swelling around a tooth or in the gums is often a sign of infection, which can spread if left untreated. A dental abscess typically causes throbbing pain, sensitivity to temperature, and swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw. While you wait to reach the office, a cold compress on the outside of the face can help with discomfort, and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease symptoms temporarily — but they don't treat the underlying infection. Dental infections should be evaluated promptly because symptoms may worsen or spread without treatment. Call us as soon as you notice swelling so we can get you seen promptly.
Broken Tooth, Filling, or Crown: What Should I Do?
A chipped tooth, a lost filling, or a crown that's come loose isn't always painful, but it should still be addressed soon to prevent further damage or sensitivity. If a piece of the tooth breaks off, save it if you can and bring it with you. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water, and if there's a sharp edge, temporary dental wax (available at most pharmacies) can protect your tongue and cheek until we see you. For a lost crown, keep it safe — depending on the condition of the tooth and crown, it may sometimes be possible to re-cement it. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and call the office to get it repaired properly.
A Note on Prescriptions
As a general policy, medications are only prescribed for patients who have recently been seen in the office.