Dental Emergencies

For a dental emergency, please contact our office as soon as possible (910 762 4155) or proceed to the nearest emergency room. 

Dental emergencies happen, often seemingly out of nowhere. Any dental emergency is potentially serious and should be treated as such; it’s important to find appropriate medical care as soon as possible. Time lost can lead to further damage including lost teeth. While dental emergencies can take a variety of forms, here are some of the most common and how to treat them until you can reach professional help.

• Toothaches should be treated initially by rinsing the mouth with warm water and if possible using dental floss to remove any debris from around the teeth. If desired, an appropriate over-the-counter painkiller can be used according to the instructions on the label. If the face or gums are swollen or painful, a cold compress may be applied to help reduce swelling and pain.
• Chipped or broken teeth should be treated as quickly as possible. Save any pieces if you can. If there’s any bleeding, apply gauze to help get it under control. As with a toothache, you may apply a cold compress to any swollen areas to help reduce swelling or pain and use an over-the-counter painkiller to alleviate discomfort.
• A tooth that’s been knocked out should likewise be treated by a professional as soon as possible. Retrieve the knocked out tooth if possible and gently rinse it clean–do not scrub! If it’s possible to do so, reinsert the tooth into the socket, ensuring that it’s facing the right direction. If you cannot do so comfortably, place the tooth in a glass of milk and take it to a dentist or an emergency room as quickly as possible.
• Lost fillings can be treated with an over-the-counter emergency sealant or a piece of sugarless chewing gum. Do not use gum with sugar as it will cause pain, discomfort and perhaps further damage. Seek dental care as soon as possible.
• A lost crown should be treated reasonably quickly. Contact your dentist and make an appointment as soon as possible and make sure to bring the dislodged crown with you. You may attempt to reattach the crown with a dental adhesive, but do not use superglue or a similar product.

Again, please err on the side of caution. If bleeding or severe pain are present, please contact the emergency room or our office. For less serious issues, please contact Plage Dentistry as soon as possible to get scheduled.